Getting Energy
Like in all other biomes there are producers, consumers and decomposers in the Middle East Desert. All three of these interact with each to get energy. A diagram that can show the flow of energy through an ecosystem is called a food web. First, the producers (Plants) get their energy from the sun through photosynthesis(bottom layer). Then, it is usually transferred to a consumer (vegetarians)(second layer). Decomposers also get energy from producers, usually dead ones. After the consumers (vegetarians) get the energy from the producers (plants) the consumers (carnivores) eat the vegetarians and get their energy(third line). Some carnivores eat other carnivores to get their energy(top line). An example of a predator-prey interaction is a zebra (prey) is eaten by a lion (predator). Decomposers, Consumers, and Producers On this diagram there are several types of decomposers, consumers and producers. Decomposers are organisms that decompose organic material.A termite usually plays the role of a decomposer in dryer climates. Another decomposer is soil bacteria. Consumers are organisms that rely on other organisms to get their energy. The kit fox and hawk are examples of consumers. Other consumers include snakes, lizards and scorpions. Lastly, there are producers. Producers are organisms that create there own food. Most every food web starts with a producer. Cacti is an example of a producer because it uses the sun to get it's own energy. Host-Parasite Interaction Range Ratany The Range Ratany has flowers. It is a low shrub, and it is parasitic. The Range Ratany's fruits are covered with spines. It gets its water and nutrients from plants such as grass. It can also get energy from the sun through photosynthesis. |