Simple Nutrient Cycle
nutrients in soil
decomposer
produces waste / dies
producer
consumer
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
They produce food, oxygen, and shelter for other life.
What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?
They eat plants (producers) and other consumers. This helps to keep a
balance in the community.
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
They help keep soil healthy by breaking down or decomposing biotic
materials (dead organisms / waste) into abiotic substances
(nutrients). These nutrients are returned to the soil for producers to
reuse.
turn over for more fun! ------->
What would happen if producers disappeared from an ecosystem?
There would be nothing for herbivores to eat, so they would die, and then
carnivores would die.
What would happen if consumers disappeared from an ecosystem?
There would be nothing to eat the producers so they would overpopulate.
What would happen if decomposers disappeared from an ecosystem?
Any waste or dead organisms would stay on the ground forever. No
nutrients would be returned to the soil. Eventually, all of the nutrients
in the soil would be used up, so the producers would starve and die, then
consumers would starve and die.
If the cycle is complete then it is sustainable. What does this mean?
The nutrient cycle will keep continuing on its own indefinitely.
Fill out the definitions for “nutrient cycle” and “sustainable” on your Vocabulary
sheet.