Animal Niches Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a producer?

Organisms that make their own food (correct)

Animals that eat only plants

Animals that hunt other animals

Animals that eat other organisms

What are consumers?

Animals that eat other organisms

What are herbivores?

Animals that eat only plants

What are carnivores?

Animals that eat only meat Signup and view all the answers

What are predators?

Animals that hunt other animals Signup and view all the answers

What is prey?

Animals that are hunted by predators Signup and view all the answers

What are decomposers?

Organisms that feed on dead plants and animals Signup and view all the answers

What is a food chain?

The path of energy from the sun to a plant to an animal to another animal Signup and view all the answers

What is a food web?

A group of overlapping food chains Signup and view all the answers

What are omnivores?

Animals that eat both plants and animals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Producers

Organisms that create their own food, primarily through photosynthesis.
Essential for energy flow in ecosystems, serving as the base of the food chain.

Consumers

Animals that rely on other organisms for food.
Classified into various types based on dietary habits.

Herbivores

Consume only plant material.
Examples include deer, rabbits, and cows.

Carnivores

Eat only meat and other animal products.
Include predators like lions, eagles, and sharks.

Predators

Animals that actively hunt and kill other animals for food.
Play a critical role in controlling prey populations and maintaining ecological balance.

Prey

Animals that are hunted by predators.
Typically have adaptations for escape to survive.

Decomposers

Organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that break down dead plants and animals.
Important for nutrient recycling in ecosystems, returning vital elements to the soil.

Food Chain

A linear sequence illustrating the transfer of energy from the sun to producers, followed by consumers.
Demonstrates the direct relationships between different trophic levels.

Food Web

A complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
Illustrates the various feeding relationships and ensures stability within the ecosystem.

Omnivores

Animals that consume both plants and animals.
Examples include humans, bears, and pigs, exhibiting flexible diets.

Description

This set of flashcards focuses on the important concepts related to animal niches, including producers, consumers, herbivores, carnivores, predators, and prey. Each card provides a clear definition to help reinforce understanding. Perfect for studying ecology and biology terms.