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3-2 Energy, Producers, and Consumers Objectives: Define primary producers Describe how consumers obtain energy and nutrients Role of Primary Producers Energy is required for all life processes Energy flows from the sun or inorganic compounds to autotrophs (producers). Heterotrophs (consumers) eat producers to get energy. Without a constant input of energy, living systems cannot function. The primary source of energy on Earth is the sun Role of Primary Producers Autotrophs – “self feeder” Most use sunlight to create carbohydrates via photosynthesis Oxygen created as a byproduct Ex: Plants, some protists (algae) and some bacteria Some bacteria create organic compounds from inorganic chemicals in a process called chemosynthesis Live in remote places. Also can make carbohydrates and oxygen Energy Flow: Role of Producers Role of Primary Producers Autotrophs (plants, some bacteria) are called primary producers the first producers of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms some of their self-made energy is stored and available to other organisms that eat them Mmm…this plant is delicious. Role of Consumers Heterotroph – “different feeder” Cannot harness energy directly from the physical environment. Must ingest food to obtain energy Ex: animals, fungi, some bacteria, some protists Energy Flow: Role of Consumers There are many different types of heterotrophs. Herbivores eat plants. Carnivores eat animals. Omnivores eat both plants and animals. Detritivores feed on plant and animal remains and other dead matter. Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter. Scavengers consume carcasses of animals that have been killed by other predators