Chapter 5 Energy Flow in Ecosystems

sugar

Photosynthesis is the process where energy from the sun enters an ecosystem when a plant uses sunlight to make __________ molecules.

photosynthesis

Producers are organisms that make their own food through __________ or chemical sources.

herbivores

Consumers that eat only producers are known as __________.

heat

Every time energy is transferred from one organism to another in a food chain, some of the energy is lost as __________.

legume

In the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen-fixing bacteria mostly live within nodules on the roots of __________ plants.

nitrogen

The __________ cycle is a process in which nitrogen is cycled between the atmosphere, bacteria, and other organisms.

phosphorus

The __________ cycle involves the movement of phosphorus from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment.

cellular

During __________ respiration, sugar and oxygen combine to yield carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

pioneer

An example of a __________ community is the first organisms to colonize any newly available area or surface.

bloom

Algal __________ is a dense patch of algae that occurs near the surface of water and can deplete the oxygen supply in aquatic ecosystems.

ecological succession

The __________ __________ is the gradual process of change and replacement of the types of species in a community.

sand

Primary succession can occur on rocks, cliffs, and __________ dunes.

habitable

After the eruption of Mount St. Helens, pioneer species began to make the new area __________ for other species.

secondary

Natural fires caused by lightning are a necessary part of __________ succession in some communities.

climax community

The final and stable community in an ecological succession is called the __________ __________.