Energy, Producers and Consumers

1. Energy, Producers and Consumers 3.2 in book

2. 1) Primary Producers – capture energy from sunlight or chemicals to produce food (autotrophs) “self feed” • Bottom of the food chain • Very important

3. Photosynthesis “light creation”

4. Chemosynthesis • Some autotrophs don’t need sunlight to produce food • They use H2S – hydrogen sulfide (high energy) and oxygen (also high energy)

5. Do any organisms really CREATE energy?

6. No, organisms just convert sun energy into chemical energy (carbohydrate) • Energy cannot be created or destroyed!

7. 2) Consumers – (heterotrophs) – rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients • 6 types of consumers

8. CONSUMER TYPES • 1) Herbivores – only eat plants • Ex) cows, rabbits • 2) Carnivores – only eat animals • Ex) dogs, snakes, owls • 3) Omnivores – eat animals and plants • Ex) bears, humans?

9. CONSUMER TYPES • Detritivores – feed on dead matter • Ex) earthworms, snails, crabs • Decomposers – break down organic matter • Ex) fungi • Scavengers – consume the carcasses of animals • Ex) hyena, vulture