1. 3.2 Energy, Producers, & Consumers
Ecology

2. POINT > Define and describe ecological producers
POINT > Define ecological consumers
POINT > Classify ecological consumers

3. POINT > Define and describe ecological producers
Producers are organisms that create energy-rich compounds (sugars) used later by other organisms Also called autotrophs Includes plants, algae, some bacteria
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

4. POINT > Define and describe ecological producers
Producers capture energy from:
1. Light (Photosynthesis)
Most producers use this process
2. Chemicals (Chemosynthesis)
Common in areas of total darkness,
often near volcanic vents, or animal stomachs
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

5. WB CHECK: Most producers get their energy from Sunlight Chemicals
Other organisms
Plant material

6. WB CHECK: Which of the following is an autotroph? Mushroom Pine tree
Raccoon
Mosquito

7. POINT > Define and classify ecological consumers
Consumers are organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients (animals, fungi, most bacteria)
Consumers are also called heterotrophs
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

8. POINT > Classify ecological consumers
Consumers/heterotrophs are classified by the ways they get energy
1. Herbivores eat plant material (deer, cows, rabbits)
2. Carnivores eat other animals (snakes, cats, etc)
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

9. POINT > Classify ecological consumers
3. Omnivores eat both plant and animal material (humans, bears) 4. Decomposers chemically break down organic matter from dead organisms (mushrooms, other fungi, some bacteria)
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

10. POINT > Classify ecological consumers
5. Scavengers eat the dead flesh of other animals (vultures, crabs, etc)
6. Detritivores eat decaying material produced by decomposers (earthworms, crabs)
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

11. WB CHECK:
Which category best fits humans?
Autotrophs
Carnivores
Herbivores
Omnivores

12. WB CHECK:
Which of the following is a decomposer?
vulture
seaweed
fungi
moss

13. WB CHECK:
True or False?
Decomposers (like mushrooms) are heterotrophs.

14. WB CHECK:
Bacteria fit in which category?
autotroph
heterotroph
decomposer
all of the above

15. POINT > Classify ecological consumers
** Many organisms don’t fit neatly ** into only one category
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

16. Homework: Read 3.2 pages 69-72 Assess #1-3 page 72 Workbook Page 309 Pre-read pages 73-78