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food chain ![click to hear : food chain click to hear : food chain](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Order of the relationships of predation and dependence among living organisms.
autotrophs ![click to hear : autotrophs click to hear : autotrophs](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Organisms capable of making their own food from inorganic matter and solar energy.
inorganic matter ![click to hear : inorganic matter click to hear : inorganic matter](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Matter of mineral origin, converted by bacteria; the nitrogen, salts and water it retains serve as food for plants.
heterotrophs ![click to hear : heterotrophs click to hear : heterotrophs](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Organisms that feed on organic matter that is already broken down, since they are unable to feed on mineral compounds.
decomposers ![click to hear : decomposers click to hear : decomposers](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
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 : secondary consumers click to hear : secondary consumers](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Carnivores that feed on herbivores.
tertiary consumers ![click to hear : tertiary consumers click to hear : tertiary consumers](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Carnivores that feed on other carnivores.
carnivores ![click to hear : carnivores click to hear : carnivores](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Animals that feed mainly on meat.
herbivores ![click to hear : herbivores click to hear : herbivores](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Animals that feed on plants.
primary consumers ![click to hear : primary consumers click to hear : primary consumers](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
They feed on autotrophic organisms and are therefore usually herbivores.
basic source of food ![click to hear : basic source of food click to hear : basic source of food](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
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 : carnivores click to hear : carnivores](../../images/speaker-vert.gif)
Animals that feed mainly on meat.