2-5 -> 2-7: Biology

autotroph

autotroph

create their own food which is converted into usable energy

heterotroph

consume other sources, cannot make their own food/energy

consumer

must consume other organisms for its energy requirements; heterotroph

producer

makes its own energy; autotroph

decomposers

an organism that breaks down dead or decaying matter; heterotrophs

food chain

shows how organisms are related to each other by the food they eat

food web

shows the complexities of energy flow throughout the system, it is not only linear

apex predator

level 5, no natural predators; can greatly affect food chain/ web

tertiary consumer

level 4, top carnivores

secondary consumer

level 3, carnivores and omnivores

primary consumer

level 2, herbivores

primary producer

level 1, use photosynthesis

the 10% rule

only 10 PERCENT is kept for every trophic level, which is used to grow and repair yourself; the other 90% is lost

energy

FLOWS through a system since it is lost as heat

nutrients

CYCLE through a system; when things take in nutrients, they release them once they die

bioaccumulation

the gradual accumulation of substances like mercury, pesticides, and other chemicals; increases every time it moves up the food chain

carbon cycle

contains photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition

nitrogen cycle

contains denitrification, nitrification, and assimilation

water cycle

contains evaporation, collection, condensation, transpiration, and precipitation

ecosystem services

things the ecosystem does for us for free, all on its own

deforestation

removal of forests, removes biodiversity

impacts of deforestation

cause flooding of nearby areas, affects neighboring systems, water is not filtered anymore

oil/petroleum

no organism breaks down oil plastics so they are a forever chemical

fracking

breaks large rocks using high pressure water to get natural gas resources, leaves local water supply tainted/flammable and sinkholes can form

nature preserves

nature set aside to remain untouched by humans, must environment is protected from harm

national/ state parks

protected land, but more accessible to visitors

bureau of land management

actively manages and controls resources under their jurisdiction