BiomassBiomass is an

organic material made from plants and animals living or formerly living in a given area.

Biomass contains stored energy from the sun.

BiomassPlants absorb the sun’s

energy in the process of photosynthesis. (radiant energy converted to chemical energy)

The chemical energy in plants gets passed to animals and people that eat them.

BiomassLiving things store energy

chemically

After organisms die, the energy remains stored in the chemicals of which they composed.

Biomass

BiomassLarge molecules are broken down into smaller molecules.

As matter is broken down, energy is released in the form of heat.

Compost HeapA compost heap is a pile of compost, organic matter such as leaves and grass clippings

Compost pile with grass clippings and chopped leaves

Compost Heap

Vocabulary for compostingDecay: to break down into component parts, to rot

Decomposition: the breakdown of organic matter from larger to smaller molecules

Organic: of, or related to, or derived from living organisms

10% Rule it means only ten percent of energy

consumed is available to the next trophic level