Ecosystems 1.02

Identify and analyze the functions of organisms

within a population of the ecosystem•Producers•Consumers•decomposers

Producers• Plants are living organisms. They need

nourishment to survive.• But…• Plants do not eat other plants or animals.• Plants are called producers, because they

make their own food inside themselves.

Consumers

• “Consume” means “eat”.• Animals are consumers because

they “eat” (consume) food provided by plants or other animals.

HerbivoresSome animals do not eat other

animals. They survive on plants and are known as “herbivores”.

Carnivores

Some animals, like the kingfisher, eat only other animals. These

animals are called “carnivores”.

Omnivores

• Some animals, like us, eat both plants and animals.

• These animals are called “omnivores”.

Animals that are eaten by other animals are called prey.

Some prey animals are herbivores.

Some omnivores and carnivores are also prey to other animals.

Animals that eat other animals are called predators.

Some animals are predators and prey.

This means they eat some animals but are eaten by others.

The top predator that is prey to no other animal is called an apex predator.

Questions

Which is the correct order for the flow of energy in a riverbank environment?

a.Sun → fish → raccoon → water plantsb.Sun → water plants → fish → raccoonc.Fish → water plants → sun → raccoond.Fish → raccoon → water plants → sun

Which is the best classification for fungi growing on a log at the edge of a river

bank?

a. Producersb. Parasitesc. Decomposersd. consumers

What is the main purpose of decomposers in an environment?

a. Make food for animalsb. Convert (change) sunlight into

energyc. Take in carbon dioxide and give off

oxygend. Dispose of waste matter in the

environment

Which group of organisms is most dependent on the sun for energy?

a. Carnivoresb. Consumersc. Decomposersd. producers

→ →

The diagram above shows the movement of energy through and ecosystem. What starts the movement of energy through an ecosystem?

a.Sunb.Producerc.Decomposerd.consumer

Which best describes the role of a producer in an ecosystem?

a. To use energy from the sun to make foodb. To decompose dead organismsc. To eat other living thingsd. To feed on dead organisms