Chapter 10 Lesson 1 Ecosystems Ms. Amanda and Ms. Diana

What is an Ecosystem? Ecosystem – all the living and non-living things in a given area. Types of Ecosystems on Earth: Forests Deserts Grasslands Rivers Beaches Coral reefs Biomes – ecosystems that share similar climates and similar types.

Abiotic Factors Abiotic Factors – the nonliving parts of an ecosystem. Abiotic factors include: Sunlight Temperature Air Water Soil Abiotic factors provide many resources organisms need to survive and reproduce.

Abiotic Factors Sunlight is important for almost all life on Earth. It gives energy for photosynthesis and it provides sunlight for warmth. The gases in the Earth’s atmosphere (nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) also help organisms survive and grow.

Abiotic Factors Water is a very important abiotic factor. Without water, life would not be possible. Water is needed for all the life processes that take place inside cells. Soil is important for both living and nonliving things. Inside soil, you will find living and nonliving organisms.

Biotic Factors Biotic factors – living or once-living things found in an ecosystem. Biotic factors include: Bacteria Animals (dead or alive) Plants (all types) Fungi Different species adapt to an ecosystem depending on the abiotic and biotic factors that are present.

Habitats Habitat – the place within an ecosystem that provides food, water, shelter, and other biotic and abiotic factors an organism needs to survive and reproduce. Organisms have different types of habitats. Ex. Crickets live in dark places with lots of plants. Skunks live in areas where they can find food like mice. Birds can live in trees or near tall buildings. Plants can be in the desert or forests. When biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem change, then habitats can change too.

Populations Population – all the organisms of the same species that live in the same area at the same time. Example: All the ants in one garden are one population. All the flowers in a garden are one population. Community – all the populations living in the same area at the same time.

Population Density Population Density – the size of a population compared to the amount of space available. Population density formula: When population density is high, organisms live close together and might not have all the resources needed to survive. Diseases spread faster when organisms live closer together.

Population Change Most populations change over time. Production of offspring increases the size of a population. The death of individuals reduces population size. Changes in the abiotic and biotic factors can cause organisms to move away or die out.

Questions