Ecosystem Vocabulary

Word Definition Image

photosynthesis 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 The synthesis of organic

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

producer A person who produces

consumer a person or thing that consumes

decomposer an organism, usually a bacterium

or fungus, that breaks down the
cells of dead plants and animals
into simpler substances.
carnivore an animal that eats flesh

herbivore a herbivorous animal

grazer to feed on growing grass and

pasturage, as do cattle and sheep

omnivore someone or something that is

omnivorous

predator Zoology​. any organism that exists

by preying upon other organisms.
prey an animal hunted or seized
for food, especially by a
carnivorous ​anima​l.

scavenger an animal or other organism that

feeds on dead organic ​matter