Energy Roles in

Ecosystems
Science
Euclides Estribi
8°I
Instituto Panamericano
IPA
In an ecosystem, organisms play distinct
roles in the flow of energy. Similar to
instruments in a band, each organism
contributes to the overall movement of
energy. The energy role of an organism is
determined by its food source and
interactions with others, falling into
categories of producers, consumers, or
decomposers.
Producers:
• Energy typically enters ecosystems as sunlight, captured by organisms
like plants, algae, and certain bacteria. Through photosynthesis, these
organisms convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food
molecules. Producers, such as plants, are the foundation of an
ecosystem, generating food for other organisms. In unique cases, some
ecosystems derive energy from sources other than sunlight, like certain
bacteria using hydrogen sulfide in deep rocks.
• Example: Certain bacteria in deep rock ecosystems produce their own
food using hydrogen sulfide.
Consumers:
Consumers are organisms that obtain energy by consuming other living
organisms. This category includes herbivores, carnivores, and
omnivores. The energy flow continues as consumers eat producers or
other consumers, creating a food web within the ecosystem.

Example: Wolves in British Columbia shift from their usual diet of deer
and moose to feast on salmon during autumn. This adaptation is driven
by the nutritional benefits of salmon and the ease of hunting them.
Decomposers:
• Decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter,
returning nutrients to the ecosystem. They feed on dead plants and
animals, contributing to the recycling of energy and matter.

• Example: Overfishing of salmon, a vital food source during their

annual mating trip, could impact various animal populations, including
bears, wolves, birds, and others, showcasing the interconnectedness of
energy roles in ecosystems.