 Ecology – study of interactions between organisms and
their environment.
 Consists of biotic and abiotic factors
 Biotic- living
 Abiotic- nonliving; i.e. temperature, soil, air etc.
Levels of Organization
What is essential for the elk
to have energy?
Energy flows, matter cycles
 Matter is cycled. No
matter leaves the
earth.
 Light energy from the
sun arrives at the
earth. A small amount
is used by living
organisms. Most of
that energy escapes
from the earth and is
lost as heat energy into
space.
 But how we get this
energy can vary.
Producers vs.
Consumers
Producers = Autotrophs
Consumers = Heterotrophs
CAN make their own food
CANNOT make their own food
Make their own food to use for energy.
Consume other organisms to use for
energy.
1. Produces that use photosynthesis
2. Producers that use chemosynthesis
1. herbivores 2. omnivores
3. carnivores 4. detritivores
5. decomposers
Define the 5 types of consumers
with a partner
 Herbivore –
 Carnivore Omnivore Detritivore Decomposer-
Define the 5 types of consumers
with a partner
 Herbivore – obtain energy by eating ONLY plants
 Carnivore – obtain energy by eating ONLY animals
 Omnivore- obtain energy by eating both plants and
animals
 Detritivore – obtain energy by feeding on plant and
animal remains
 Decomposer – break down organic matter.
Energy flows, matter cycles
 Matter is cycled. No
matter leaves the
earth.
 Light energy from the
sun arrives at the
earth. A small amount
is used by living
organisms. Most of
that energy escapes
from the earth and is
lost as heat energy into
space.
 But how we get this
energy can vary.
 Producers are the foundation of all living things
One way flow of energy. Energy is passed from
the producer to 4 different groups of
organisms.