Ecology: The Biosphere Key Terms

Organisms that obtain nutrients by breaking down dead & decaying plants and animals are called

Plant-eating animals such as cows are called ____________________.

Only 10 percent of the energy stored in an organism can be passed on to the next trophic level

What is the process by which bacteria convert nitrogen gas in the air to ammonia?

The role an organism plays in its environment is called a

All the parts of the earth that contain life is called the

The total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level is called the

branch of biology dealing w/ interactions among organisms & between organisms & the environment

What is the term for each step in the transfer of energy and matter within a food web?

Organisms that break down organic matter and return it to the environment are called _________