The Role of Producers in an Ecosystem

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The Role of Producers in an Ecosystem

• Science 8
• 9/5/07

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What is a Producer ?

• Producer(explained) Are green plants.
• Producers are responsible for producing all of
  the energy in the ecosystem.

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Energy ProducersHow?

• Green planets are able to take radiant energy
  from the Sun transform it to a form that can be
  used by plants and animals.
• Consumers(animals) can not do this. Animals have
  to go out and actively find food. Plants make
  their food.

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Energy Producers How?

• Plants make their food by a process called
  photosynthesis.
• Photosynthesis is the most important chemical
  reaction that takes place on the planet. Without
  it other life would be impossible.

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Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis(explained) green plants take water
  from the ground, carbon dioxide from the air and
  radiant energy from the Sun and produce
  carbohydrates(food for plants and animals) and
  oxygen.

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Producers

• Every ecosystem has to have producers.

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Producers

• Producers(green plants)produce food for consumers
  in all their parts.
• seeds, flowers, leaves, wood, roots and fruits
  are eaten by consumers

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Producers

• Besides food and oxygen producers provide
  habitats and places to hide for animals.

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Producers in a Pond Ecosystem

• The main producer in the pond ecosystem is
  phytoplankton or algae.
• Phytoplankton are tiny free floating green plants
  in the water column. Give the pond its greenish
  color.
• Major source of food and oxygen in the pond
  ecosystem.

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Producers in the Pond Ecosystem

• Also provide a hiding place/cover for many small
  animals in the pond
• Other producers Water Plants pickerel weed and
  cattails
• Terrestrial Plants willows, grasses