Scribd
Upload
49 views1 page

Chapter 4

This document defines key ecological terms and outlines the roles of different organisms in nutrient and carbon recycling within ecosystems. It distinguishes populations as groups of the same species within an area versus communities, which include all interacting organisms. Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter and release inorganic nutrients back into the environment. Saprotrophs similarly break down dead organisms, releasing enzymes and carbon dioxide to recycle carbon. While autotrophs generate their own organic compounds, heterotrophs and saprotrophs obtain energy differently - heterotrophs ingest other organisms and saprotrophs digest organic matter outside their cells.

Uploaded by

api-304486052
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
49 views1 page

Chapter 4

This document defines key ecological terms and outlines the roles of different organisms in nutrient and carbon recycling within ecosystems. It distinguishes populations as groups of the same species within an area versus communities, which include all interacting organisms. Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter and release inorganic nutrients back into the environment. Saprotrophs similarly break down dead organisms, releasing enzymes and carbon dioxide to recycle carbon. While autotrophs generate their own organic compounds, heterotrophs and saprotrophs obtain energy differently - heterotrophs ingest other organisms and saprotrophs digest organic matter outside their cells.

Uploaded by

api-304486052
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Term Definition

Species Organisms that reproduce together to produce fertile offspring

Population Organisms of the same species, living in the same area at the same time

Community Group of population living in the same area interacting with each other

Ecosystem A community and its abiotic environment

Autotroph An organism that is able to make organic compounds from inorganic nutrients

Heterotroph Organisms that obtain their food from other organisms and require complex
organic molecules

Saprotrophs Organisms that obtain energy from dead organisms, digest organic matter
extracellularly and absorbs its nutrients

Detritivores Small animals feeding on fragments of tissues or dead organic matter via internal
digestion

Mesocosm A small area where parts of the natural environment are kept under controlled
conditions

Series of ecological units in decreasing biomass


Biosphere > Ecosystem > Population > Individual

Distinguish between the terms population and community


- Population is members of one species whereas community is all organisms

Outline the role of decomposers in recycling nutrients


- Breakdown dead organic matter
- Produce inorganic nutrients
- Assimilated by living organism, Bacteria/Fungi

Explain the role of saprotrophs in recycling carbon


- Saprotrophs break down organisms
- Releases enzymes into organic matter
- Releases carbon dioxide
- Produce carbon dioxide by respiration
- Carbon dioxide can then be used by plants

Compare the way in which autotrophic, heterotrophic and saprotrophic


organisms obtain energy
- Autotrophs use non-organic energy source
- Autotrophs use photosynthesis
- Autotrophs use chemosynthesis
- Heterotrophs obtain energy from other organisms, by ingesting food
- Saprotrophs obtain energy from dead organisms, by digesting organic matter extracellularly


You might also like