| A | B |
|---|
| biosphere | consists of all life on earth and all parts of the Earth where life exists |
| ecology | study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their physical environment |
| biotic factor | any living part of the environment |
| abiotic factor | any non living part of the environment |
| autotrophs | produce their own food (plants) |
| primary producers | first producers of energy rich compounds (plants) |
| photosynthesis | captures light energy to turn water and carbon dioxide into sugars |
| chemosynthesis | chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates |
| heterotrophs | get energy from other organisms |
| consumers | rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients |
| carnivore | kill and eat other animals |
| scavenger | eat carcasses of other animals that have died |
| decomposers | feed by chemically breaking down organic matter |
| herbivores | eat leaves, roots, seeds, or fruits |
| omnivores | eat plants and animals |
| detritivores | feed on detritus |
| detritus | small pieces of dead and decaying organisms |
