Systems: Ecology

System: any group of parts that work together as a unit –Properties of a system may be different than the properties of its parts. Ecosystems: all living and nonliving things that interact in an area Example: Ocean Habitats: include the water, salt, sand, plankton, nekton, benthos, algae, plants, etc.

Every organism in an ecosystem has a variety of adaptations that are suited to its environment Individuals that are poorly suited to their environment are less likely to survive and reproduce. –EX: albino animals

Niche: an organism’s particular role or how it “fits into” the ecosystem. –Includes: Type of food it eats How it obtains food Which other species use it as food When and how it reproduces Physical conditions it requires How it interacts with other organisms

Three Types of Interactions 1.Competition: struggle between organisms to survive in a habitat with limited resources There can be a limited amount of food, water, and shelter Organisms must adapt to reduce competition

2.Predation: interaction in which one organism hunts and kills another for food. Predator: One that does the killing (Will have adaptations such as: running fast, poisonous substance, claws, sharp teeth, stingers) Prey: Gets caught and eaten (will have adaptations such as camoflauge, protective coverings, warning colors, mimicry, false coloring)

3.Symbiosis: A close relationship between two species where at least one benefits May be called symbiotic relationship Three main types: Mutualism, commensalism, parasitism

Mutualism Mutualism: Both organisms benefit –Examples: Saguaro and long eared bats Bacteria in your large intestine

Commensalism Commensalism: One species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed –Examples: Clown fish and sea anemone Birds and army ants

Parasitism Parasitism: One organism benefits while the other is harmed –Examples Fleas Ticks Leeches