Types of Consumers and Decomposers

Flashcards covering key concepts related to consumer types and decomposers within ecosystems.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms, also known as consumers.

Producers

Organisms that can produce their own energy, such as plants and algae.

Carnivores

Animals that kill and eat other animals, such as snakes and giant river otters.

Herbivores

Animals that obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant material, like cows and caterpillars.

Omnivores

Animals that consume both plants and animals, including humans and bears.

Scavengers

Animals that consume carcasses of other animals that have died from natural causes or predators, like king vultures.

Decomposers

Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Detritivores

Organisms that consume detritus, or small pieces of dead and decaying matter, including earthworms and certain types of shrimp.

Detritus

Small pieces of dead and decaying plant and animal remains.