Question

If this ecosystem existed with only the organisms shown in the food web above, it would not be viable in the long- term. What type of organism is missing that is required for the long-term success of the ecosystem? In your answer, please explain the role of these organisms.

Answer 1

In an ecosystem we can find the following type of organisms:

Producers: these are organisms that use solar energy as well as carbon dioxide and inorganic nutrients (present in the ground) and transform them in their oun food by the process of photosynthesis. For example: carrot plant, grasses and grains.

Primary consumers: These organisms consume plants (producers) and transform the plant tissue into animal tissue. They are also known as herbivores. For example: rabbits, mice, grasshoppers, some bird species.

Secondary consumers: these organisms consume primary consumers and are called carnivores. For example: foxes, owls, some bird species.

Decomposers: transform dead animals and plants into nutrients and return these to the natural environment.

In the picture the organisms that are missing are the decomposers, these can be for example fungui and bacteria, and they are extremly important organisms in an ecosystem because they start the cycle again.