Ecology Ch 6 Ecosystem Balance

Ch 6 Intro Ecosystems are a combination of biotic and abiotic factors Each part works like a part in a machine All play a role in the functioning of the ecosystem They interact to maintain balance It is a dynamic balance that is always changing

Ch 6 section 1 Relationships Relationships are complicated in an ecosystem Most things have multiple interactions A change to one can affect all  Domino effect  Butterfly effect

Predator/Prey Relationship Common interaction  Due to need for energy in consumers Active hunting of prey = predator Fed upon = prey Example  Mantis and butterfly  Hawk and snake

Predator/Prey Population The two populations are closely linked If one changes it ripples through the other population The two tend to cycle at the same time  Large herbivores 10 years  Small herbivores 4 years  Tends to increase with animal size

Lynx and Snowshoe Hare Population Graphs

Symbiotic Relationships Close relationship between two species living together 1. Parasitism- One organism feeds on the body tissue or fluid of the other (host) – One species helped one harmed  Most don’t kill the host as they need the host for some function  Population depends on the host population  Density-dependent limiting factor  Ex: tapeworm, round worm, pin worm, ticks, lice, protists (Montezuma’s Revenge, Malaria)

Symbiosis 2. Commensalism  One species is benefitted and the other is not affected  Ex: Whale and barnacle, Clown Fish and Anemone

Symbiosis 3. Mutualism  Both species benefit  Ex: Yucca Plant and moth, milkweed and monarch larva, ants and aphids