Relationships in Ecosystems …from competition to cooperation…

Obtaining Energy Producers: Make their own energy Photosynthesis: Use sunlight with chlorophyll to produce energy Chemosynthesis: Use a chemical to produce energy These organisms are usually found at great depths in the ocean

Obtaining Energy Consumers: Organisms that cannot make their own food Herbivores: Eat only plants Omnivores: Eat plants and meat Carnivores: Eat only meat Decomposers: Consume wastes and dead organisms

Niches Niche: The roll of an organisms in its environment What it eats & gets water Where it gets shelter Where it finds it mates and cares for its young Where it avoids danger

Niches Special adaptations that improve an organisms survival are often part of an organisms niche A rotting log can provide for many organisms, each with its own niche What types of niches might be provided by a log?

Symbiosis Definition: Any close relationship between organisms. Not all relationships involve food, they also involve resources such as water and shelter.

Symbiosis Mutualism: A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit Commensalism: A symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits, while the other is not affected Parasitism: A symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and the other is harmed

Predator & Prey Predator: Prey: An organism that captures and eats other organisms Prey: The organism that is caught and eaten

Predator and Prey Predators limit the size of the prey population What benefits might exist due to limiting the prey population? The existence of predators in an area indicates that many organisms live in the area Why do you think this is?

Cooperation Often individuals work together to improve survival A deer will alert its neighbors to the presence of wolves in an area These interactions are part of an organisms niche

Your Turn Choose a local organism. Write a paragraph (4-5 sentences) about it’s niche. Where it lives What it eats How it cares for its young Interactions with other organisms Etc.