Ecology—the scientific study of interactions between different organisms and between organisms and their environment or surroundings

Biotic—living factors that influence an ecosystem Abiotic—non-living factors that influence an ecosystem

Producers A. Sunlight is the main energy source for life on earth B.Also called autotrophs C. Use light or chemical energy to make food 1. Plants 2. plant-like protists (algae) 3. Bacteria

D. Photosynthesis—use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbohydrates ( Remember: 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O 6O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 ) E. Chemosynthesis—performed by bacteria, use chemical energy to produce carbohydrates Light Energy

Consumers A.Organisms that rely on other organisms for their energy and food supply B. Also called heterotrophs

Herbivores—obtain energy by eating only plants Carnivores—eat only animals

Omnivores—eat both plants and animals Decomposers—breaks down dead organic matter

Feeding Interactions A. Energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction— from the sun or inorganic compounds to autotrophs (producers) and then to heterotrophs (consumers)

B.Food Chain—series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten 1.Arrows go in the direction of how energy is transferred 2.Start with producer and end with top consumer or carnivore Ex: grass cricket frog raccoon

C. Food Web—network of food chains within an ecosystem Which of the organisms above is the producer? Which of the organisms above is the top consumer? Hawks WeaselsRaccoons Mice Grass

D.Trophic Levels—each step in a food chain or food web 1. Level 1—Producers (autotrophs) 2. Level 2—Primary Consumers (herbivores) 3. Level 3—Secondary Consumers (carnivores or omnivores) 4. Level 4—Tertiary Consumers (carnivore—usually top carnivore)

Hawks Weasels Raccoons Mice Grass Food Webs

IV.Ecological Pyramids A. Diagram that shows the relative amount of energy or organisms contained within each trophic level of a food chain or web

B.Energy Pyramid shows relative amount of energy available at each trophic level 1. Organisms in a trophic level use the available energy for life processes (such as growth, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, metabolism, etc.)and release some energy as heat Remember: Every chemical process that happens in your body releases heat as a byproduct (ex: burning calories). 2. Rule of 10—only about 10% of the available energy within a trophic level is transferred to the next higher trophic level C. Biomass Pyramid—represents the amount of living organic matter at each trophic level

Energy PyramidBiomass Pyramid 100% 10% 1% 0.1%

Represents amount of energy available at each level as well as amount of living tissue— both decrease with each increasing trophic level Energy and Biomass Pyramid (together)

V. Ecological Interactions between organisms A.Competition—when two organisms of the same or different species attempt to use an ecological resource in the same place at the same time. Ex: food, water, shelter

Monkeys compete with each other and other animals for food. Rams compete with each other for mates.

Until Americans introduced gray squirrels into parts of England in the early 20th century, red squirrels had been the only species of squirrel in the country. The gray squirrels were larger and bred faster and successfully competed for resources. Within a couple years of overlap in an area, the red squirrels disappeared.

B. Niche— the ecological niche involves both the place where an organism lives and the roles that an organism has in its habitat. Example: The ecological niche of a sunflower growing in the backyard includes absorbing light, water and nutrients (for photosynthesis), providing shelter and food for other organisms (e.g. bees, ants, etc.), and giving off oxygen into the atmosphere.

The ecological niche of an organism depends not only on where it lives but also on what it does. By analogy, it may be said that the habitat is the organism’s “address”, and the niche is its “profession”, biologically speaking. Worm’s Niche “Address”— Soil, Ground, etc. “Profession”– Mix-up soil

C.Predation—one organism captures and feeds on another organism 1.Predator—one that does the killing 2.Prey—one that is the food

D.Symbiosis—any relationship in which two species live closely together 1. Mutualism—both species benefit (WIN-WIN) a. Ex: insects and flowers Can you think of any other examples that we’ve talked about in class?

2. Commensalism—one member of the association benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. (WIN-0) Example: barnacles on a whale

Commensalism The Remora fish attaches to the shark and gets a free ride. Birds build nests in trees.

3.Parasitism—one organisms lives on or inside another organism (host) and harms it. The parasite obtains all or part of its nutritional needs from the host. (WIN-LOSE) Example: fleas on a dog

Parasitism Wasp eggs on back of caterpillar. Mosquito biting a human. Sea lampreys feed on fluids of other fish.

Mutualism, Commensalism or Parasitism?? Parasitism Mutualism

Ecological Succession

Communities Review: – A community is a group of interacting populations that occupy the same area at the same time.

Communities Limiting Factors – Any abiotic or biotic factor that restricts the numbers, reproduction, or distribution of organisms. Name some…

Ecological Succession – The change in an ecosystem that happens when one community replaces another as a result of changing biotic and abiotic factors

Ecological Succession – Consists of 2 types: Primary Succession Secondary Succession

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: Primary – The establishment of a community in an area of exposed rock that does not have topsoil is called Primary Succession. It occurs very slowly at first

Ecological Succession: Primary – The first organisms to arrive are usually lichens or mosses, which are called pioneer species. They secrete acids that can break down rock Their dead, decaying organic materials, along with bits of sediment from the rock make up soil.

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: Primary – Small weedy plants and other organisms become established; dispersal – As these organisms die, additional soil is created

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: Primary – Seeds brought in by animals, water and wind begin to grow in the soil. – Eventually enough soil is present for shrubs and trees to grow.

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: Primary – The stable, mature community that eventually develops from bare rock is called a climax community.

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: Secondary – Disturbances (fire, flood, windstorms) can disrupt a community. – After a disturbance, new species of plants and animals might occupy the habitat.

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: Secondary – Pioneer species in secondary succession are usually plants that begin to grow in the disturbed area. – This is much faster than primary succession

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession: End point? – Cannot be predicted – Different rates of growth & human involvement make it impossible to know if a true climax community has been reached.

Next

Bio = life Geo = earth Chemical= essential elements and compounds – H 2 0= water – C= carbon – O=oxygen – N= nitrogen – CO 2 = carbon dioxide

Cycle= move from beginning to end – Not always a beginning or end Continuous Biogeochemical Cycle: essential elements and compounds moving among living organisms (bio), the earth (geo) and atmosphere

Carbon Cycle – ** Photosynthesis: process by which plants use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar Sun + CO 2 + H 2 O C 6 H 12 O 2 (sugar) – Cellular Respiration: process by which cells harvest the energy stored in food C 6 H 12 O 6 (sugar) CO 2 + H 2 O + energy

Combustion: burning – Uses O 2 – Releases CO 2 Decomposition: organisms breaking down into simple elements.

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Matter within ecosystems is recycled. decomposers bacteria and fungi soil minerals and humus producers green algae water and salts consumers animals decay dieeaten die

All Cycles Are Related Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur, Phosphorusin Plants and Organisms N2N2 Fossil Fuel Combustion H2OH2O CO 2 SO 2, NO 2 Phyto- plankton Zoo- plankton Ocean Sediments Nutrient Recycling Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Nitrates, Sulfates, Phosphates Phosphate Nitrite, Dead Organic Mattrer & Decomposers H2OH2O Urea Runoff Respiration Decomposition Transpiration

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Water, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen & other elements cycle from the abiotic (“geo” nonliving environment) to biotic (“bio” living organisms) & then back to the environment. biotic abiotic

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Water, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen & other elements move through a regularly repeated sequence of events. Define a cycle. H2OH2O C N O

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Most element cycles have an atmospheric “bank” where the element is found in large amounts. atmosphere “bank”

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Elements move from the “bank” into organisms. atmosphere “bank”

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Organisms release elements in daily activities or after death. Give an example of an activity that releases elements. RIP atmosphere “bank”

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Decomposers (or combustion or erosion) break down organic matter. What is a result of their actions? RIP atmosphere “bank”

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Three example cycles: – Water – Carbon (carbon-oxygen) – Nitrogen H2OH2O C N O

WATER CYCLE Use the next diagram to help you define the following: – evaporation – condensation – precipitation – transpiration – runoff – accumulation

Condendation (clouds form) Condensation Transpiration Precipitation Evaporation Accumulation Run-off water cycle diagram EVAPORATION - water changing from a liquid into a gas (water vapor) CONDENSATION - water vapor (gas) changing to a tiny drops of water (liquid) that form clouds or rain PRECIPITATION - water vapor (gas) changing into a liquid or solid such as rain, hail, sleet or snow TRANSPIRATION - water loss from plants when water vapor goes out through stomates (little openings) in leaves RUN-OFF - water moving across the Earth’s surface (stream, river, gully) ACCUMULATION - water gathering into an area (pond, lake, stream or ocean)

WATER CYCLE Label your diagram of the water cycle.

WATER CYCLE Nonliving portions of the water cycle include condensation, evaporation & precipitation. biotic abiotic

WATER CYCLE Living portions of the water cycle include plants performing transpiration and water intake by all organisms. biotic abiotic

WATER CYCLE Water vapor exits plant leaves during transpiration through tiny openings called stomata.

WATER CYCLE Water loss from plant leaves during transpiration is caused in part by the sun’s heat energy in a process similar to the way we lose water when we perspire.

Law of Conservation of Matter: Matter can NOT be created or destroyed, it changes form Biogeochemical cycles: matter is constantly being cycled through changing form

WATER CYCLE Water loss from plant leaves during transpiration is caused in part by the sun’s heat energy in a process similar to the way we lose water when we perspire.

WATER CYCLE Water loss from plant leaves during transpiration is caused in part by the sun’s heat energy in a process similar to the way we lose water when we perspire.

WATER CYCLE Water loss from plant leaves during transpiration is caused in part by the sun’s heat energy in a process similar to the way we lose water when we perspire.

WATER CYCLE Water loss from plant leaves during transpiration is caused in part by the sun’s heat energy in a process similar to the way we lose water when we perspire.

WATER CYCLE Why are water cycles said to be driven by the sun? HEAT

WATER CYCLE Why are water cycles said to be driven by the sun?

WATER CYCLE If water cycles are driven by the sun’s heat energy, what effect would global warming have on the cycle?

water cycle diagram animated

CARBON CYCLE Why is the Carbon Cycle often called the Carbon-Oxygen Cycle? respiration photosynthesis O2O2 CO 2

CARBON CYCLE Like other element cycles, the carbon cycle links nonliving & living parts of the environment. biotic abiotic

CARBON CYCLE The exchange of gases during photosynthesis and respiration is a major example of the living-nonliving cycle of carbon-oxygen. respiration photosynthesis O2O2 CO 2

CARBON CYCLE How does carbon enter the living part of the cycle? CO 2 + H 2 O ----> C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 CO 2 Using the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS, plants use CO2 to make food

CARBON CYCLE Carbon is returned to the atmosphere environment by: – cellular respiration – erosion – combustion – decomposition

CARBON CYCLE Use the next diagram to help you define the relationship of the following terms to the carbon cycle. – respiration – photosynthesis – decomposition – combustion – erosion

CARBON CYCLE limestone combustion soil erosion animal respiration plant respiration assimilation by plants photosynthesis by algae respiration by algae and aquatic animals litter fossil fuels coal, gas, petroleum CO2 in Atmosphere decomposition oceans, lakes RESPIRATION - CO2 is released back into the atmosphere when food (glucose) is broken down during respiration PHOTOSYNTHESIS - Plants use carbon dioxide to make food DECOMPOSITION - CO 2 is released back into the atmosphere as organic matter is broken down COMBUSTION - CO2 is released back into the atmosphere when organic material is burned EROSION - CO2 is released back into the atmosphere when erosion breaks down certain rock decomposition “BANKS” – CO2 in atmosphere and trapped underground in fossil fuels

carbon cycle animated Write a descriptive summary of the events shown. WHITE DOTS - carbon dioxide released from combustion (forest fire, burning fossil fuels) or respiration (soil and plant & animal BLUE DOTS - water, note how they collide with the white dots to represent photosynthesis GREEN DOTS - carbon trapped in glucose from photosynthesis - note how green dots move through organisms then flash red to represent respiration RED DOTS - represents respiration or combustion - note the red flash of green dots into white dots at soil respiration and animal & plant respiration - and the red flash into white at forest fire & burning of fossil fuels

NITROGEN CYCLE 79% of the atmosphere is nitrogen gas but it is in a form most living things cannot use. N2 free nitrogen

NITROGEN CYCLE If we can’t take in free nitrogen, how do we acquire it so we can use it in our bodies? Why do we need nitrogen in our bodies?

NITROGEN CYCLE How do we acquire usable nitrogen? Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen into nitrates. Plants absorb nitrates. Animals eat plants. N 2 in air nitrogen-fixing bacteria NITRATES

NITROGEN CYCLE How does the nitrogen return to the atmosphere? Denitrifying bacteria convert the nitrates back into nitrogen. N 2 in air nitrogen-fixing bacteria NITRATES denitrifying bacteria

NITROGEN CYCLE Why do we need nitrogen? Nitrogen protein ?

NITROGEN CYCLE Can plants & animals use free nitrogen? In what form must N 2 be to be used by plants? What organisms can fix the N 2 into a usable form? N2 free nitrogen nitrates nitrogen-fixing bacteria

NITROGEN CYCLE Simplified Use the next diagram to help you define the relationship of the following terms to the nitrogen cycle. – free N 2 bank – nitrogen fixation – nitrates – organisms – organic material – denitrification

organisms NITROGEN CYCLE Simplified Free N 2 in Atmosphere nitrogen-fixing bacteria NITRATES denitrifying bacteria RIP Organic material FREE N 2 “BANK” - Pure nitrogen “banked” in the atmosphere which is made up of 79% nitrogen. NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA - nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert free nitrogen into nitrate compounds NITRATES - the form of nitrogen that can be used by organisms ORGANISMS - Plants take in nitrates and use them in their tissues; animals eat the plants and get the nitrates from plant tissues ORGANIC MATERIAL - Dead organisms, animal waste and organic litter are decomposed by bacteria and other decomposers DENITRIFICATION - Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrates from decomposition back into free nitrogen.

NITROGEN CYCLE nitrogen-fixing bacteria nitrates organic matter denitrifying bacteria gaseous losses (N 2, NO x ) lightning fixes N 2 into nitrates

Nitrogen Cycle Find the brown dots entering plants and animals. In what form is the nitrogen? What main organisms “fix” the N for use? (N-fixing bacteria)

Reviewing the Cycles WATER CYCLE – evaporation – condensation – precipitation – transpiration

Reviewing the Cycles CARBON CYCLE – photosynthesis-respiration – combustion – erosion – decomposition RIP atmosphere “bank”

Reviewing the Cycles NITROGEN CYCLE – nitrogen-fixing bacteria – nitrates – decomposition – denitrification Free N 2 in Atmosphere nitrogen-fixing bacteria NITRATES RIP Organic material denitrifying bacteria

Cycle Interrelationships Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur, Phosphorusin Plants and Organisms N2N2 Fossil Fuel Combustion H2OH2O CO 2 SO 2, NO 2 Phyto- plankton Zoo- plankton Ocean Sediments Nutrient Recycling Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Nitrates, Sulfates, Phosphates Phosphate Nitrite, Dead Organic Mattrer & Decomposers H2OH2O Urea Runoff Respiration Decomposition Transpiration

the End