The Role of Producers in an Ecosystem

1. The Role of Producers in an Ecosystem • Science 8 • 9/5/07

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

3. Energy Producers…How? • 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Producers • Every ecosystem has to have producers.

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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