An ecosystem is a particular environment that contains living and nonliving parts. Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. Energy flows through ecosystems from producers to consumers.

I. Organisms within an ecosystem 1.A species is a closely related group of organisms. a) Individuals within a species have the ability to reproduce. There are between 2 million and 10 million different species. Organisms within a species have the ability to reproduce. Ex. Emperor penguins, polar bears, red ants, black ants

2. When members of the same species live in the same area, they form a population. Ecologist study populations to determine the “health” of an ecosystem.

3.Over time populations develop traits that allow them to adapt to their environment. a) cactus - large root systems b) bears – fur c) birds – eye sight

Populations can be as simple as a field of flowers, which is separated from another field by a hill or other area where none of these flowers occur. 4. Organisms within a population compete for resources: food, water, mates and territory

5.To better compete/survive some species have developed advantageous adaptations.

Specialized adaptations allow organisms to better compete for resources

Alien species Exotic species Non-native species Introduced species 6. An invasive species applies to any species that is outside their natural range or ecological boundary. Sea Lamprey Asian carp Nutria Zebra mussels Quagga mussels Burmese python Think about why most on this list are “aquatic”

Kudzu was introduced to the United States in 1876 The problem is that it just grows too well! The climate of the Southeastern U.S. is perfect for kudzu. The vines grow as much as a foot per day during summer months, climbing trees, power poles, and anything else they contact. Under ideal conditions kudzu vines can grow sixty feet each year.

Native to Japan and China. Introduced to the United States in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Countries were invited to build exhibits to celebrate the 100th birthday of the U.S. The large leaves and sweet-smelling blooms of kudzu captured the imagination of American gardeners.

7. Invasive species can be very destructive to ecosystems. a) costly to impossible to remove b) out-compete native populations Think about how a lot of the invasive species get into ecosystems….people

Sea Lamprey

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Length = 12 – 20 inches Weight = 8-13 ounces Native to the Atlantic Ocean Entered the Great Lakes through the Welland Canal in Anticoagulant in saliva Feed on lake trout and whitefish

Organisms are introduced into a foreign ecosystem, by humans, either intentionally (e.g., crop plants, feed animals), or unintentionally. Introduced into the U.S in 1986.

Zebra Mussel Quagga Mussel

Zebra Mussel Introduced in 1988 in ballast water Black, Caspian, and Azov sea Female produces appx. 1 million eggs/yr Economic impact Ecological impact –Filter feeder, 1 mussel filters up to1 gallon/day –Clarifies water  more and larger plant growth –Wiped out native clams

Florida Python Officially identified in to 19 feet in length Burmese pythons prey on a wide variety of birds, mammals, and crocodilian species occupying the Everglades Estimates of python populations range from at least 30,000 to more than 300,000