Organisms in an ecosystem can be classified as producers, consumers, or decomposers.

1. Review of Unit 6Review of Classifying Organisms and Relationships between Plants and AnimalsLesson 49

2. Organisms in an ecosystem can be classified as producers, consumers, or decomposers.

3. Plants and algae are producers. Producers convert energy from the sun into organic matter through the process of photosynthesis.

4. This organic matter (glucose) is used by producers and consumers as food which provides the energy that fuels basic life processes.

6. Some consumers get their energy only from eating producers.

8. Some consumers consume other consumers as a food source.

9. All animals are dependent on plants for food, as even carnivorous animals must eat herbivorous animals.

10. Producers and consumers produce wastes as they perform their life processes, and become waste organic matter when they die. This organic matter goes back into the ground to fertilize the soil.

11. Dead animals decompose and release nutrients into the soil.

12. The waste products of animals also fertilize soil.

13. Decomposers use these waste materials and other non living organic matter to fuel their life processes and recycle nutrients that are necessary for producers to carry out their life processes.

15. All of the organisms in an ecosystem have interconnected relationships.

16. Factors that impact one population within an ecosystem may impact other populations within that ecosystem.

17. Relationships between animals and plants are complicated. The food chain begins with the sun shining on plants.

18. The plants use sunlight for energy to make food. The plants are at the base of the food chain.

19. Now take sometime to review the vocabulary for Unit 6 with a friend.

20. In our next lesson we will take a test on all the information we have learned in Unit 6.

21. Good Job Today! And remember to….

22. See you next time!