Do you ever wonder how plants eat?

Do you ever see them eat a pizza?

They do not eat food like humans and animals do.

So, how do plants get the nutrients they need?

Humans and animals who eat food are called consumers, because they have to eat in order to get the nutrients they need to survive.

Plants are called producers because they have to make their own food. In order to do this they have to use a special process called PHOTOSYNTHESIS. Consumers eat producers and other consumers to get the nutrients they need. For example, we eat fruit and vegetables which come from plants.

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

"Photo" means light and "synthesis" means to put together. Plants use light and other substances to create their own food. There are three key elements to photosynthesis.

1. Carbon Dioxide (gas in the air)

2. Water (liquid)

3. Sunlight (energy)

Humans and animals breathe in Oxygen and breathe out Carbon Dioxide. Plants are the opposite. They take in Carbon Dioxide through their leaves and release Oxygen.