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Essential Question :
Why is it important to understand how living organisms interact with each other and their environment?

** Producers: **
Chemotrophs- Get their energy from chemicals that donate their molecules in their environment. Chemotrophs get some of their energy from molecules such as glucose, which are organic. Most of these chemotrophs are bacteria and archaea. Phototrophs- Uses energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to convert into carbon compounds. Phototrophs help carry out the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll and a bluish pigment in cyanobacteria are a big part of photosynthesis. Examples are starch, bacteria, and algae.



FLOWER (PHOTOTROPH) TUBE WORMS (CHEMOTROPH) It's important to understand how organisms interact with their environment and each other because they rely on each other like none other by using photosynthesis. (so we can put plants in sun when they need it) Plus by using chemicals from carbon dioxide and other chemicals to get their energy.



MUSHROOM (DECOMPOSER) DEER (HERBIVORE) BEAR (OMNIVORE)

**Consumers:** Herbivores- Get their energy from eating only plants, photosynthesizing bacteria, and algae. Examples include caterpillars, cows, and deer. Carnivores- Obtain energy from only meat whether it be living or dead. Examples of carnivores include snakes, dogs, and owls. Omnivores- Gets energy from both plants and animals. Examples include humans, bears, and crows. Detritivores- Feed on plant and animal remains and dead matter, collectively called detritus. Examples of detritivores are mites, snails, crabs, and earthworms. Decomposers- Break down organic matter. Fungi and Bacteria are some decomposers.

It's great to know how organisms interact with their environment and each other because we know what they do, live, and how they get their energy. Organisms rely on each other like in a food chain where energy is transferred by organisms by eating and being eaten. (mostly known as prey and predators) FOOD CHAIN!!