1. Energy Flow in Ecosystems
How Ecosystems Work
Energy Flow in Ecosystems

2. Energy Flow
Energy flow through an ecosystem determines the systems capacity to sustain life.
Sunlight is the main energy source for life
Some organisms rely on the energy stored in inorganic chemical compounds.

3. Life Depends on the Sun
Energy from the sun enters ecosystems when plants, algae, and some bacteria trap the energy during photosynthesis.

4. Photosynthesis (how energy is trapped)
Autotrophs harness sunlight energy to make their own food in the form of carbohydrates!

6. GLUCOSE fruits other sugars energy protein e.g. seed germination
cytoplasm
starch
cellulose
cell walls
storage e.g. starch in potato

7. Anything you eat can be traced back to a PRODUCER which can be traced back to the SUN!

8. The Energy Connection Organisms get energy as either:
1. producers – autotrophs
2. consumers – heterotrophs
3. decomposers – natures recyclers

9. From Producers to Consumers
Because plants make their own food, they are called producers.
A producer is an organism that can make organic molecules from inorganic molecules.
Producers are also called autotrophs.
“self-feeders”

10. Consumers are also called heterotrophs.
Organisms that get their energy by eating other organisms are called consumers.
Consumers are also called heterotrophs.
“other-feeders”

11. An Exception to the Rule
Deep-ocean communities of worms, clams, crabs, mussels, and barnacles, exist in total darkness on the ocean floor, where photosynthesis cannot occur.
The producers in this environment are bacteria that use hydrogen sulfide.
Other underwater organisms eat the bacteria or the organisms that eat the bacteria.

12. What Eats What? Organisms can be classified by what they eat.
Types of Consumers:
Herbivores
Carnivores
Omnivores
Decomposers

13. Herbivores eat plants.
They are primary consumers.

14. Carnivores eat animals. They are secondary consumers.

15. Omnivores eat both plants and animals. They are third level consumers.
Scavengers are omnivores that feed on dead plants and animals.

16. Decomposers break down dead organisms.
They are nature’s recyclers.

17. detritivores feed on dead organic matter (detritus)
Earthworms, crabs, roly poly

18. If the producers make glucose using the sun’s energy, then how do consumers use it for fuel?

19. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

20. Review What determines an ecosystems capacity to sustain life?
What is the source of all energy on Earth?
Name 2 ways autotrophs can get their energy.
How do heterotrophs get their energy?
What is detritus?
Give an example of a decomposer.
Describe the chemical equation for cellular respiration using a simple sentence.
Explain the relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
Name the type of heterotroph:
a. That are recyclers
b. That eat plants
c. That feed on flesh
d. That feed on dead organic matter
e. That feed on both plants and animals
Review