Components of an Ecosystem Notes

An ecosystem consists of all of the living organisms and all of the non- living elements that interact in an area.

The study of how organisms interact with one another as well as with their environment is called ecology.

Requirements of an ecosystem:

There must be a constant flow of energy into the ecosystem.

Organisms must use the energy to make organic compounds. (photosynthesis)

Materials must be cycled between the living organisms & the environment. (food web, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle)

Anything living or anything made by living things in an ecosystem are called biotic factors.

Examples: plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, paper, corals, shells, etc…

All of the non-living things in an ecosystem are called abiotic factors.

Examples: sunlight, soil, rocks, water, temperature, clouds, gases etc…

How do we know if something is living or not?

Characteristics shared by living organisms:

All living things are made of cells.

Metabolism: All of the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms.

Nutrition: Food must be obtained and converted into usable form.

Respiration: The way organisms make the energy needed to survive.

Transport: Movement of materials within an organism.

Excretion: Ridding the body of waste products.

Growth: Increase in the size or number of cells.

Reproduction: Ensures the continuation of a species.

Adaptability: Ability to respond to changes in the environment.

Levels of organization: Atoms (elements)=> molecules (compounds)=> organelles=> cells=> tissues=> organs=> organism (individual)=> species=> population=> community=> ecosystem=> biome=> biosphere

Organism: Any living thing.

Species: Group of organisms that can mate & produce fertile offspring.

Population: All of the organisms of the same species that live in an area at the same time.

Community: All of the populations that live together in an area.

Ecosystem: All of the living & non-living things that interact in an area.

Biome: Large geographical areas or ecosystems that share similar plant & animals species that are adapted to a specific climate & environment… may be terrestrial or aquatic.

Biosphere: The part of the earth & its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life.