(FR-Unit1) 03.1 Ecosystem

Autotrophs are organisms that can capture energy from nonliving sources and convert it into forms living cells can use.

Primary producers are the first producers of energy-rich compounds that can be used later by other organisms.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and algae harness solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches.

<p>Photosynthesis produces oxygen that is released into the atmosphere and removes carbon dioxide. Without photosynthesis, there would be no oxygen to breathe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plants are the main primary producers on land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plants and algae share the role of primary producers in freshwater ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Algae are the primary producers in sunlit parts of the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemosynthesis is a process in which chemical energy powers the production of carbohydrates. It is used by certain bacteria to obtain energy from inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemosynthetic bacteria can be found around volcanic vents in the deep sea, deep within Earth's crust, in underground streams and caves, and in the mud of tidal flats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemosynthesis has been found to be more common and to occur in more environments than previously expected. It serves as an alternate form of primary production and supports diverse ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot harness energy directly from the environment as primary producers do. They must acquire energy from other organisms, usually by eating them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Consumers are organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients. They acquire energy and nutrients by consuming other organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Animals that eat leaves cultivate microorganisms inside their guts that can digest cellulose for them. These microorganisms break down cellulose into digestible components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Grazing animals extract relatively little energy from each mouthful of leaves, so they need to consume a large quantity of leaves to meet their energy needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The digestive system needed to extract energy and nutrients from leaves is very heavy, which limits the number of bird species that can efficiently digest leaves.</p> Signup and view all the answers