Producers, Consumers and Decomposers
All of the organisms in an ecosystem need energy. Some make food through photosynthesis. Some eat other organisms. Others break down the remains of dead plants and animals. How an organism gets its energy determines the role it plays in the ecosystem.
An organism that makes food through photosynthesis is called a producer. In most ecosystems, plants are the main producers. They use light energy from the Sun, carbon dioxide from the air and water to produce food in the form of sugar.
An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms is called a consumer. All animals are consumers. They get the energy they need by feeding on other organisms in the ecosystem.
Some organisms meet their energy requirements by breaking down, or decomposing, the remains of dead plants and animals. They feed on the broken down material. These organisms are called decomposers. Bacteria and fungi are decomposers. Decomposing releases nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Related Printables.
Our Local Ecosystems
Ecosystems and Habitats
Wetland Ecosystems
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystems
Temperate Forest Ecosystems
Coral Reef Ecosystems
Producers, Consumers and Decomposers
Types of Consumers
Energy in Ecosystems – Comprehension
Food Chains
Food Webs
Review – Ecosystems
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