Ecosystems 1.02 Identify and analyze the functions of organisms within a population of the ecosystem Producers Consumers decomposers

Producers Plants are living organisms. They need nourishment to survive. But… Plants do not eat other plants or animals. Plants are called producers, because they make their own food inside themselves.

Consumers “Consume” means “eat”. Animals are consumers because they “eat” (consume) food provided by plants or other animals.

Herbivores Some animals do not eat other animals. They survive on plants and are known as “herbivores”.

Carnivores Some animals, like the kingfisher, eat only other animals. These animals are called “carnivores”.

Omnivores Some animals, like us, eat both plants and animals. These animals are called “omnivores”.

Animals that are eaten by other animals are called prey. Some prey animals are herbivores. Some omnivores and carnivores are also prey to other animals.

Animals that eat other animals are called predators. Some animals are predators and prey. This means they eat some animals but are eaten by others. The top predator that is prey to no other animal is called an apex predator.

Questions Which is the correct order for the flow of energy in a riverbank environment? a.Sun → fish → raccoon → water plants b.Sun → water plants → fish → raccoon c.Fish → water plants → sun → raccoon d.Fish → raccoon → water plants → sun

Which is the best classification for fungi growing on a log at the edge of a river bank? a.Producers b.Parasites c.Decomposers d.consumers

What is the main purpose of decomposers in an environment? a.Make food for animals b.Convert (change) sunlight into energy c.Take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen d.Dispose of waste matter in the environment

Which group of organisms is most dependent on the sun for energy? a.Carnivores b.Consumers c.Decomposers d.producers

→ → The diagram above shows the movement of energy through and ecosystem. What starts the movement of energy through an ecosystem? a.Sun b.Producer c.Decomposer d.consumer

Which best describes the role of a producer in an ecosystem? a.To use energy from the sun to make food b.To decompose dead organisms c.To eat other living things d.To feed on dead organisms