Questions and Answers
What is the distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
An autotroph is an organism that can synthesize their organic molecules from simple inorganic substances, while a heterotroph obtains organic molecules from other organisms.
What are the differences between consumers, detritivores, and saprotrophs?
Consumers ingest living or recently killed organic matter, detritivores ingest non-living organic matter, and saprotrophs live on or in non-living organic matter.
What is a food chain?
A food chain is a linear and simple feeding relation where one organism is eaten by another.
What does a food web represent?
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What is a trophic level?
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What is the role of light in ecosystems?
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How does energy flow in a food chain?
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Energy transformations in ecosystems are 100% efficient.
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What do pyramids of energy illustrate?
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What is the difference between energy and nutrient cycling in ecosystems?
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What is the role of saprotrophic bacteria and fungi in ecosystems?
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Study Notes
Distinction Between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
- Autotrophs synthesize organic molecules from inorganic substances and are classified as producers.
- Heterotrophs are consumers that obtain organic molecules by consuming other organisms.
Types of Consumers
- Consumers ingest living or recently killed organic matter.
- Detritivores consume non-living organic matter.
- Saprotrophs live on non-living organic matter, secreting digestive enzymes and absorbing digested products.
Food Chains
- A food chain illustrates a linear feeding relationship among organisms.
- Examples include:
- Mosquito larva → beetle → mouse → snake
- Plankton → krill → mullet → shark
- Earwig → lizard → shrew → owl
- Clams → starfish → sea otters → orcas
Food Webs
- A food web is a complex diagram that connects multiple food chains, illustrating interrelated feeding relationships.
Trophic Level Definition
- The trophic level indicates an organism's position in a food chain, including producers, primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers.
Energy Flow in Food Chains
- Energy losses occur between trophic levels due to unconsumed material and heat loss from cellular respiration.
- Transformations of energy are inefficient; only chemical energy is passed to the next trophic level.
Energy Pyramid Explanation
- Energy pyramids depict energy flow through trophic levels, measured as energy per area over time.
Energy and Nutrient Dynamics
- Energy enters and exits ecosystems while nutrients must be recycled.
- Sunlight serves as the primary energy source, absorbed by photosynthetic organisms converting it into chemical energy.
- Nutrients are recycled through the consumption and decomposition of organic matter.
Role of Saprotrophic Organisms
- Saprotrophic bacteria and fungi are crucial for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs with this quiz. Learn how these organisms obtain their nutrients and understand their roles in various ecosystems. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of producers and consumers.
