Interactions within Ecosystems Chapter 1

What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem is a group of interacting, living and non-living things.

Types of Ecosystems in Newfoundland and Labrador Ocean ecosystem Cold water from the Labrador current. Organisms adapted to cold termperatures. Light penetrates between 100 and 200 meters. Examples of organisms would be cod, seals, whales, jellyfish, seaweed, microscopic plants, etc.

Pictures of Oceans

Forest ecosystem Cover much of the province. Summers are cool and winters wet. Some bogs and marches develop where drainage is poor. Species include balsam fir, white birch, black spruce, mountain ash, moose, caribou, black bear, lynx, red fox, pine marten, and mink.

Forest ecosystem

Arctic Northern tip of Labrador. Very low temperatures and little precipitation. In winter nights are long. Soil is permanently frozen about 1 meter down (called permafrost) Species include low shrubs, mosses, lichens, caribou, wolves, arctic foxes, arctic hares and lemmings.

Arctic Ecosystem Pictures

Freshwater ecosystems Rain or snow supply water to freshwater ecosystems. Species include whitefish, sticklebacks, beavers, ducks, geese, frogs, insects etc.

Freshwater Ecosystem Pictures

Chapter 1 Terms Define the following in a foldable. After defining the word, use it in a sentence. Ecosystem Abiotic Biotic Species Organism Population Community Habitat Niche Range of Tolerance

Core Lab #1 – Field trip to school yard Bring you rubber boots

Abiotic Influences Abiotic conditions affect ecosystems greatly. The following are some examples of abiotic factors in our ecosystems. Light and Light intensity – Plants and algae need light to survive. They carry out photosynthesis. Amount of light limits the plants that can grow. Unlike plants, many animals love dark places. Eg. Insects under rocks. Changes in day length affects all living things. Eg. Trees shed their leaves in fall.

2. Temperature – Many reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects depend on sunlight for warmth. Temperature also affects the speed at which some organisms can reproduce and grow. Eg. Bacteria. Fruits ripen faster when the temperature is warm .

3. Soil – Soil is composed of dead plants, nutrients, air and water. It is needed for plants to anchor and provide nutrients. Provides habitat to some organisms. Eg. Worms, insects, etc.

4. Air – Plants and animals use oxygen for respiration (breathing). Birds, bats, ducks, etc. fly though air. Plants use air to spread seeds. Some plants have adapted to living in windy conditions. Eg. Tuckamore.

5. Water All organisms require water. Some can live in dry conditions for long periods of time. Water keeps the land warmer in the winter and colder in the summer. The Labrador current has a cooling effect on the air temperature. Water also gives a surface for organisms to hunt from. Eg. Polar bears on ice.

6. Wind – Windy areas tend to be dry. Many organisms on the coast have high tolerance for salt that gets carried form the ocean by the wind.