food chain![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Order of the relationships of predation and dependence among living organisms.
autotrophs ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Organisms capable of making their own food from inorganic matter and solar energy.
inorganic matter ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Matter of mineral origin, converted by bacteria; the nitrogen, salts and water it retains serve as food for plants.
heterotrophs ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Organisms that feed on organic matter that is already broken down, since they are unable to feed on mineral compounds.
decomposers ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Organisms that break down organic matter (dead animals, excrement, plant residue) into mineral components that can be reused by plants.
secondary consumers ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Carnivores that feed on herbivores.
tertiary consumers ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Carnivores that feed on other carnivores.
carnivores ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Animals that feed mainly on meat.
herbivores ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Animals that feed on plants.
primary consumers ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
They feed on autotrophic organisms and are therefore usually herbivores.
basic source of food ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Vegetables are at the base of the food chain for all other consumers; they are eaten raw or converted into meat by animals.
carnivores ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Animals that feed mainly on meat.