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= Why is it important to understnad how living organisms interact with each other and their environment? = = By: Wea = = =

** Producers- ** are organisms that make their own food. There are two types of producers: chemotrophs and phototrophs.

 * Chemotrophs- use chemical energy to produce carbohydrates. Many autotrophs use light to produce food but some autotrophs can produce food in the absence of light. Chemotrophs rely on energy within the chemical bonds of inorganic molecules like hydrogen sulfide. Several types of bacteria profform this process, they represt a large number of living autotrophs. some of the chemosynthetic bacteria live in very remote locations. Some of those locations include deep sea volcanic vents and hot springs in Yellowstone Park.


 * Phototrophs- use light energy to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy rich carbohydratessuch as sugars and starches. This process is responisble for adding oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere. Plants are the main autotrophs on land. Photosynthetic bacteria are very important in various wet ecosystems.

==== **Consumers**- are organisms that depend on other organisms for its energy and its food supply. They are also called heterotrophs. There are five types of heterotrophs: herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, detritivores, and decomposers. ====


 * **Herbivores**- are consumers that get their energy by eating only plants. Examples of herbivores are cows and deer.


 * **Carnivores**- obtain their energy by eating other animals. Owls, snakes, dogs and lions are all examples of carnivores.
 * **Omnivores**- are animal that can eat both plants and other animals. Humans, bears, and crows are all examples of omnivores.
 * ** Detritivores- ** feed on plant and animal remains or other dead matter. Mites, earthworms, snails, and crabs are all examples of detririvores.
 * **Decomposers**- break down organic matter. Fungi and other bacteria are other examples of decomposer.