13.3 Energy in Ecosystems KEY CONCEPT Life in an ecosystem requires a source of energy.

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Producers provide energy for other organisms in an ecosystem. Producers get their energy from non-living resources. Producers are also called autotrophs because they make their own food. Auto- = self, -troph= to feed

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Almost all producers obtain energy from sunlight. Photosynthesis is a process where producers use sunlight as an energy source. 6H 2 O + 6CO > C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 Chemosynthesis is a process where producers (prokaryote -bacteria) use chemicals as an energy source. 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + 3H 2 S > C 6 H 12 O 6 + 3H 2 SO 4

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Photosynthesitic organisms energy from sunlight.

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Chemosynthetic organisms live in extreme environments and use chemicals directly. ff Black Smoker (Underwater Volcanic Vent) carbon dioxide + water + hydrogen sulfide + oxygen sugar + sulfuric acid Yellowstone NP hydrothermal pool

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Consumers obtain their energy from other organisms in an ecosystem. Consumers are organisms that get their energy by “eating” other living or once-living organisms. Consumers are also called heterotrophs because they feed off of different things. Hetero- = different, -troph= to feed

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Not all consumers are not alike. Herbivores Eat only plants Carnivores Eat only meat

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Omnivore Eat both plants and animals

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Detritivores Eat dead matter (detritus) Decomposers Break down dead matter

13.3 Energy in Ecosystems Special Consumer Relationships. Specialist Picky eaters Eats only one type of organism Generalist Varying diet Do not rely on a single food source.