1. ~Ecology Notes~

2.  1. Sun  2. Autotrophs  3. Heterotrophs  4. Decomposers ENERGY IS NOT RECYCLED!!!!

3.  The sun is the original source of energy for most ecosystems.  All organisms in an ecosystem can be divided into one of two groups based on how they get their energy:  Autotrophs  Heterotrophs

4.  Organisms that make their own food from light or chemical energy.  Include:  Plants  Algae  Some bacteria

5.  Organisms that eat other organisms to get the energy they need to survive.  Include:  Humans  Fish  Mushrooms

7.  Organisms that eat only other animals  Ex: Lions and wolves

8.  Organisms that eat only plants  Ex: Rabbits and cows

9.  Organisms that eat plants and animals  Ex: People and bears

10.  Organisms that feed on small pieces of dead plants and animals.  Ex: worms and roly polies

11.  Organisms that use digestive chemicals to break down dead organisms  Ex: Fungus (mushrooms and mold), and some bacteria

12.  In order for an ecosystem to survive, there must be a perfect balance of autotrophs, heterotrophs, and decomposers.

13.  The autotrophs make oxygen and food for the heterotrophs.  The heterotrophs produce carbon dioxide for the autotrophs and waste for the decomposers.  The decomposers break down the animal waste and dead organisms and produces carbon dioxide for the autotrophs.

14. A simple diagram to show one possible path of energy through an ecosystem.

16. complex  A complex diagram that shows all possible paths of energy through an ecosystem.  Basically shows how all the food chains in an ecosystem connect to each other.

18.  Trophic Level = each step in a food chain or food web  Each trophic level depends on the level below it for energy  Only 10% of the energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.

19. Shows the relative amount of energy being passed from one trophic level to the next.

20.  The total amount of living tissue within a trophic level  A biomass pyramid represents the amount of potential food available for each trophic level

21.  As you move up a food chain, there are fewer organisms and less biomass at each level.  Producers are always on the bottom.