FeedingGuilds: Difference between revisions
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===Autotrophs === | ===Autotrophs === | ||
Autotrophs are "self-nourishing organisms capable of absorbing solar energy and photosynthetically building high-energy organic substances" <ref name="sumich" /> A classic example of an autotroph on the reef are [[zooxanthellae]] | Autotrophs are primary producers, "self-nourishing organisms capable of absorbing solar energy and photosynthetically building high-energy organic substances" <ref name="sumich" /> A classic example of an autotroph on the reef are [[zooxanthellae]]. | ||
=== Heterotrophs === | === Heterotrophs === | ||
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===== Omnivores===== | ===== Omnivores===== | ||
Omnivores consume both autotrophs and other heterotrophs. | Omnivores consume both autotrophs and other heterotrophs. | ||
===== Filter/Suspension feeders===== | |||
===== Planktivores===== | |||
===== Opportunistic feeders===== | |||
===== Parasites===== | |||
=== Detritivores=== | === Detritivores=== | ||
Detritovores are decomposers like bacteria that feed upon the waste products and dead remains of other organisms. <ref name="sumich" /> | Detritovores are decomposers like bacteria that feed upon the waste products and dead remains of other organisms. <ref name="sumich" /> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 12:31, 28 May 2013
Feeding Guilds
The "[relationship] between different organisms can be described by their trophic associations." On the most fundamental level, trophic associations describe "what an organism eats and what eats it."[1] All organisms can be divided into three different categories: producers, consumers, and decomposers. [1][2]
Autotrophs
Autotrophs are primary producers, "self-nourishing organisms capable of absorbing solar energy and photosynthetically building high-energy organic substances" [1] A classic example of an autotroph on the reef are zooxanthellae.
Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs are consumers that feed upon other organisms.
Herbivores
Herbivores feed directly upon autotrophs.
Carnivores
Carnivores feed upon other animals.
Omnivores
Omnivores consume both autotrophs and other heterotrophs.
Filter/Suspension feeders
Planktivores
Opportunistic feeders
Parasites
Detritivores
Detritovores are decomposers like bacteria that feed upon the waste products and dead remains of other organisms. [1]