Ecosystem Vocabulary

Word Definition Image

photosynthesis 1. the complex process by

which carbon dioxide,
water, and certain
inorganic salts are
converted into
carbohydrates by green
plants, algae, and certain
bacteria, using energy
from the sun and
chlorophyll​.

chemosynthesis 1. the ​synthesis​ of organic

compounds within an
organism, with ​chemical
reactions providing the
energy source.

producer 1. Ecology​. an organism, as a

plant, that is able to
produce​ its own food from
inorganic ​substances.

consumer 1. Ecology.​ an organism,

usually an animal, that
feeds on plants or ​other
animals.
decomposer a person or ​thing​ that
decomposes​.

carnivore a flesh-eating mammal of the

order Carnivora, comprising the
dogs, cats, bears, seals, and
weasel

herbivore 1. a ​herbivorous​ animal.

grazer 1. to feed on growing grass

and pasturage, as do
cattle,​ sheep, etc.

omnivore someone or something that is

omnivorous

predator 1. Zoology​. any organism

that exists by ​preying​ ​upon
other organisms.
prey 1. an animal hunted or ​seized
for food, especially by a
carnivorous animal.

scavenger an animal or other organism that

feeds on dead organic matter