Ecology Exam 2 Q&A

Ecology Exam 2 Autotrophs - ANSWER-- organisms that are capable of using inorganic sources of energy and nutrients to construct energy-containing organic molecules Heterotrophs - ANSWER-- must obtain energy and nutrients in the form of organic compounds; must consume tissues of other organisms Herbivores - ANSWER-- heterotrophs that consume living plant matter Carnivores - ANSWER-- heterotrophs that consume living animal matter Detritivores - ANSWER-- Heterotrophs that consume dead plants or animal matter Challenge for herbivores #1 - ANSWER-- plant tissues are very different in chemical composition than are animal tissues - animal tissues might have more nutrients, like protein or fat How do herbivores get enough nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients from a food source, plants, that is very dilute in these elements? - ANSWER-- Compensatory consumption: eat and process large amounts of plant material to obtain sufficient amounts of the most dilute essential resources in that plant material Challenge for herbivores #2 - ANSWER-- plant tissue are heavily defended against herbivores both