Food Webs in Action

Science

Ecological law that states that 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next

10 percent rule

Ecological law that states that 10 of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next. 10 percent rule. The 10 percent rule means that when energy moves from one level of a food chain to the next, only about 10 of the energy is given to the next level, while the rest is lost mostly as heat.

A process of absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals from food

Assimilation

A process of absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals from food. assimilation. Assimilation is when your body takes nutrients from digested food and uses them to help build cells and maintain bodily functions.

The movement of a chemical through the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem

Biogeochemical cycle

The movement of a chemical through the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. Biogeochemical cycle. A biogeochemical cycle is how elements like carbon and nitrogen move through living organisms and the environment.

An energy-rich organic molecule of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, like sugar or starches

Carbohydrate

An energy-rich organic molecule of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, like sugar or starches. Carbohydrates are nutrients found in food that provide energy to our bodies.

Cells using oxygen to produce energy from food

Cellular respiration

Cells using oxygen to produce energy from food. Cellular respiration. It's how cells turn food and oxygen into energy and carbon dioxide.

An organism that breaks down dead organisms and waste, like fungi or bacteria

Decomposer

An organism that breaks down dead organisms and waste, like fungi or bacteria, is called a decomposer. In simple terms, a decomposer helps turn dead plants and animals into nutrients for the soil.

The food energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem

Food chain

The food energy transfer between organisms in an ecosystem food chain. A food chain is a sequence showing how energy moves from one organism to another as they eat each other.

An energy-rich organic compound such as a fat or oil

Lipid

An energy-rich organic compound such as a fat or oil. Lipid. Lipids are molecules that store energy and make up the cell membranes in living things.

A natural inorganic solid with definite chemical composition and structure

Mineral

A natural inorganic solid with definite chemical composition and structure. mineral. A mineral is a basic building block of rocks with specific elements and crystal form.

The process in which soil bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia

Nitrogen fixation

The process in which soil bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia is called nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is how certain bacteria make nitrogen from the air usable for plants.

A molecule made of nucelotides that contain genetic material, like DNA and RNA

Nucleic acid

A molecule made of nucleotides that contain genetic material, like DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids are molecules that store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.

A substance that an organism needs to live, like water or minerals

Nutrient

A substance that an organism needs to live, like water or minerals. nutrient. Nutrients are essential compounds in food that organisms need to grow and stay healthy.

The movement of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of matter

Nutrient cycling

The movement of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of matter. Nutrient cycling. Nutrient cycling is the natural process where essential nutrients are reused and recycled in ecosystems to support life.

Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms

Organic compound

Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. Organic compound. An organic compound is a substance made mainly of carbon atoms bonded with hydrogen and possibly other elements.

Animals which are herbivores

Primary consumers

Animals which are herbivores. Primary consumers. Primary consumers are organisms that eat plants directly for energy.

An organic compound that is made of amino acids

Protein

An organic compound that is made of amino acids. Protein. Protein is a vital molecule that helps build and repair body tissues like muscles and organs.

Animals which are carnivores

Secondary consumers

Animals which are carnivores. Secondary consumers. Secondary consumers are animals that eat primary consumers or herbivores in a food chain.

An oxide of silicon, mostly found in nature as quartz and in various living organisms

Silica

An oxide of silicon, mostly found in nature as quartz and in various living organisms. Silica is a natural mineral made of silicon and oxygen, commonly found in sand and rocks.

Animals which are capable of feeding on secondary and primary consumers

Tertiary consumers

Animals which are capable of feeding on secondary and primary consumers are tertiary consumers. In Science, tertiary consumers are predators that eat other predators.

A step in the food chain or food web

Trophic level

A step in the food chain or food web. Trophic level. In a food chain, a trophic level is the position an organism occupies based on what it eats or is eaten by.

The vertical movement of cold water from the deep ocean to the surface

Upwelling

The vertical movement of cold water from the deep ocean to the surface. Upwelling. Upwelling is when deep, cold water rises to the ocean's surface, bringing nutrients that support marine life.

An organic molecule the body uses for growth and to regulate body functions

Vitamin

An organic molecule the body uses for growth and to regulate body functions. Vitamin. Vitamins are essential nutrients that help the body work properly and stay healthy.