Mastering Energy Balance

chemosynthesis

around volcanic vents

buried in the mud of tidal flats

<p>heterotrophs</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>consumers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>consumers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>because they are composed largely of cellulose</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>microorganisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Autotrophs capture energy from nonliving sources and convert it into forms that living cells can use. They also store energy in ways that make it available to other organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Primary producers are organisms that are the first to produce energy-rich compounds that can be used by other organisms. They are important because all life depends on them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Photosynthesis is the process by which algae and plants convert carbon dioxide and water into energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. The products of photosynthesis are oxygen and stored carbon dioxide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Photosynthesis produces oxygen, which is essential for organisms to breathe. Without photosynthesis, there would be no oxygen in the atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plants are the main primary producers on land. In freshwater ecosystems, plants and algae share this role. In sunlit parts of the ocean, algae are the primary producers. Certain bacteria are important primary producers in tidal flats, salt marshes, and mangrove forests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Organisms obtain energy from nonliving sources through autotrophs, which capture and convert that energy into forms that living cells can use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When we burn fossil fuels, we are releasing energy that was captured and stored by organisms millions of years ago.</p> Signup and view all the answers