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| autotroph- organism that is able to capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food from inorganic compounds; also called a producer |
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| primary producer - first producers of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms. |
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| photosynthesis - captures light energy and uses it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. |
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| chemosynthesis - chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates. |
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| heterotroph- organism that obtains food by consuming other living things; also called a consumer |
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| consumer - organism that relies on other organisms for its energy and food supply; also called a heterotroph. |
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| carnivore- organism that obtains energy by eating animals. |
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| herbivore - organism that obtains energy by eating only plants. |
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| scavenger - animal that consumes the carcasses of other animals. |
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| omnivore - organism that obtains energy by eating both plants and animals. |
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| decomposer - organism that breaks down and obtains energy from dead organic matter. |
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| detritivore - organism that feeds on plant and animal remains and other dead matter. |
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