Energy exists in many kinds of molecules

It cannot be created or destroyedIt simply transforms from one kind or energy to another through a variety of processes

We’ll start with how energy flows through living organisms by food

Autotrophs – (producers) – capture energy from the sun or the environment and convert it into "food”

Heterotrophs – (consumers) – must get their energy from other living things Herbivores: eat plants Carnivores: eat animals Omnivores: eat plants and/or animals Detritivores/decomposers: eat dead plant

or animal material

Utilized by the autotrophs!

the flow of energy can be shown through food chain

▪ a single line of predators and their prey food web

▪ shows more complex interactions understanding that organisms don’t eat just one type of food

food pyramid ▪ shows, in measurable quantities, how much energy is required to feed the next level

•Each step in a chain or web is called a TROPHIC LEVEL

•Study the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary consumers

1. Autotrophs (producers)2. Heterotrophs

(consumers)3. Herbivores4. Carnivores5. Omnivores

Some bacteria live in deep ocean vents, and make their food from chemicals in those vents

1. Autotrophs (producers)2. Primary Consumers3. Secondary Consumers4. Tertiary Consumers

Confused? Try this link…it explains it all!

Matter (solids, liquids, gasses) doesn’t stop existing when it gets to the top of the pyramid

It gets naturally recycled through a series of cycles the molecules present in each part of the ecosystem do not get used up; they transform into other things

Water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen Study the following cycles

Click here for a description of the water cycle

The basics1. water falls as

precipitation2. soaks into

ground; used by living organisms

3. evaporates or transpirates back into atmosphere

4. condenses back into liquid and falls again

Click here for a description of the carbon cycle.

The basics1.carbon from atmosphere gets transformed into food molecules through photosynthesis2.living things eat food molecules3.living things die and decompose 4.decomposed material turns into fossil fuels5.burning fossil fuels or respiration returns carbon back to atmosphere

Link to description of the nitrogen cycle.

The basics1.exists as a gas in the atmosphere2.must use bacteria to turn into solid form useable by plants3.animals eat plants4.plants and animals die returning nitrogen to the soil5.more bacteria turn nitrogen back into gas form in atmosphere

Link to the description of the oxygen cycle.

The basics1.oxygen is produced through photosynthesis and released to atmosphere2.oxygen is used during respiration and decomposition of dead organic matter