Species, Habitat & Adaptation Ms. Sulik

Outline  Correct and collect Taxonomy Worksheet  Notes: habitat and niche

REVIEW: What makes two organisms part of the same species? 1. A male and female are able to breed 2. They produce viable offspring (survive) 3. These offspring are fertile (able to reproduce)  Population: a group of individuals of the same species living in the same place at the same time

What is an organism’s habitat?  The environment in which that species lives  Example: beavers live in the wetlands and lakes of North America and Europe  Remember: several species can live in the same habitat

What are the characteristics that define a habitat?  Geographical location  Ex: country, altitude, latitude  Flora  What type of plants there are  Fauna  What types of animals there are  Proximity to man-made constructions  Ex: cities, hydroelectric dams

Why are habitats important? 1. They are needed so that animals of the same species can meet in order to reproduce 2. Shelter 3. Food and water 4. To be in a climate to which they are adapted

Types of Habitat  Terrestrial

Types of Habitat  Freshwater

Types of Habitat  Marine

Ecological Niche  Ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment:  how it meets its needs for food and shelter  how it survives  and how it reproduces

Ecological Niche  A species' niche includes all of its interactions with the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors of its environment.  Characteristics that define an ecological niche:  Habitat  Diet  Daily routines

Think of it like this…  Habitat:  Organism’s homehome  Ecological niche:  What the organism does for a living

Habitat & Niche Activity Run to the front of the class when you think the picture on the board applies to your animal