8.2 energy flow through ecosystems key vocabulary

autotroph

organisms - convert energy (food) from the environment > chemical energy

heterotroph

consume organic material produced by autotrophs

endotherm

generates thermal energy thermally

ectotherm

rely on behavioral mechanisms to control body temperature

primary productivity

rate organic matter is created by producers

tropic level

step in a food chain or food web

biogeochemical cycle

process - movement of elements through biotic and abiotic reservoirs

photosynthesis

process - converts co2 > carbohydrates

cellular respiration

process - breaks down carbohydrates from photosythesis

nitrogen fixation

process - converts nitrogen gas (N2) > ammonia (NH3) (ammonium (NH4) in soil)

assimilation

plants - absorbs inorganic nitrogen (soil) > organic molecules to build tissue

transpiration

release of water vapor > environment: oceans, atmosphere, organisms

decomposition

break down of dead matter > recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem

dynamic homeostasis

process - continuous input and transfer of energy to sustain life