2. Energy and Ecology

3. Ecosystem Components Producers – Basis of an ecosystem’s energy – Autotrophs: perform photosynthesis to make sugars – Chemotrophs: Bacteria which use minerals from deep-sea vents to make energy Consumers – Heterotrophs: Consume others for energy – Omnivores, herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, detritivores

4. Defined: Feeding level of an ecosystem Trophic levels consist of producers, consumers, and decomposers ~10% of energy is passed to the next level – Few trophic levels

5. Defined: Organisms that create their energy through photosynthesis – AKA: Autotrophs Convert sunlight into glucose (sugar) Bottom of food chain (1 st trophic level) Ex: Plants, Algae, Cyanobacteria

6. Defined: Organisms that feed on producers 2 nd trophic level Herbivores (eat plants)

7. Defined: Organisms that feed on 1° consumers 3 rd trophic level Carnivores (eat meat) & Omnivores (eat meat & plants)

8. Defined: Organisms that feed on 2°2° consumers 4 th trophic level Carnivores and omnivores

9. Detritivores: Feed on dead matter Decomposers: break down dead matter into simpler substances Returns nutrients to the soil

10. Name the tropic levels in this food pyramid

11. Defined: Group of interrelated food chains Arrows show direction energy (nutrients) travel Analysis Trace 2 food chains from this food web. What could happen if we removed the Grasshopper?

12. producer Primary consumer Secondary consumer Tertiary consumer

13. producer Primary consumer Secondary consumer Tertiary consumer Quaternary consumer