Ecosystem Vocabulary

Word Definition Image

photosynthesis 1. 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 1. the synthesis of organic

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

producer 1. Economics.​ a person who

creates economic value, or
produces goods and
services.
2.

consumer 1. a person or thing that

consumes.
decomposer 1. a person or thing that
decomposes.

carnivore 1. a flesh-eating mammal of

the order Carnivora,
comprising the dogs, cats,
bears, seals, and weasels.

herbivore 1. a herbivorous animal.

grazer 1. to feed on growing grass

and pasturage, as do
cattle, sheep, etc.

omnivore 1. someone or something that

is omnivorous.

predator 1. Zoology​. any organism

that exists by preying upon
other organisms.
prey 1. an animal hunted or seized
for food, especially by a
carnivorous animal.

scavenger 1. an animal or other

organism that feeds on
dead organic ​matter.