Section 2.4 and 2.5 Energy in Ecosystems

Key Terms Radiant energy – comes from the sun Thermal energy – energy transferred during heating and cooling

Photosynthesis The process in which the Sun’s energy is converted into chemical energy Carbon dioxide + water  sugar + oxygen

Food Chains & Webs Producer (first trophic level) – an organism that can make its own food. Primary consumers (second trophic level) – herbivores Secondary consumers (third trophic level) – omnivores/small carnivores Tertiary consumers (fourth trophic level) – larger carnivores Scavengers (any level) – feeds on the remains of other organisms

Ecological Niches The function a species serves in an ecosystem, including what is eats and how it behaves.

Ecological Pyramids Show the relationships between the trophic levels in ecosystems (the amount of energy, numbers or biomass)

Today’s Tasks Weaving a food web activity Pg. 45 #1-5