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Ecosystems
Factfile |
 Ecosystems |
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How does an ecosystem actually work?The diagram below shows how ecosystems work. It is like a food chain.
A. The SUN.
This is the source of energy in an ecosystem.
Light energy from the sun is absorbed by green plants through Photosynthesis. The energy is stored in plant tissue.
B. PLANTS.
As well as getting energy from the sun, plants
absorb nutrients like calcium and nitrogen from the soil, through their roots.
C. ANIMALS.
These eat the plants. Some animals only eat
plants, these are called Herbivores. By eating plants, the energy and nutrients are transferred to the animals and are stored in their bodies as muscle and fat.
D. ANIMALS.
Carnivores eat other animals. The
energy and nutrients are transferred again.
Some animals eat plants and animals, these are called Omnivores.
E. DECOMPOSITION.
When organisms die, the nutrients are
returned to the soil. Fungi and bacteria decompose the dead material, making it ready for re-use. The whole process can then start again.
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