Introducing Ecosystems Section 2.2

First Task Make a list of 20 things you have seen or used in the last day or two. Try and identify what your “things” are made of. Banana – sugar, vitamins You have 5 minutes…I’m setting the timer!

Key Terms Ecosystem: all the living organisms and their physical and chemical environment Community: population of different plants/animals in a given location Population: the number of a given species in a given location i.e. there are 20 deer in a forest (population), the 20 deer, 30 mice, 500 trees in a forest (community) Biotic Factor: living things in the environment (animals, plants, etc) Abiotic Factor: non-living factors in the environment (sunlight, wind, chemicals in the soil, etc) Sustainability: the ability to maintain an ecological balance.

Examples of Ecosystems Coniferous Forest: Coral Reef: Long cold winters Moderate rainfall snowy Warm water Shallow water Variety of fish and plant life

Sustainability of Ecosystems Most natural ecosystems can remain constant over a long period of time. Human activity can interfere with the ability of ecosystems to survive. Humans have made artificial ecosystems (golf course, fish tanks, etc). These take a lot of work to maintain.

Biotic Abiotic Today’s Tasks Try This Activity: Page 35 #2-5, 7 Using your list of material complete #3-4 on Pg. 33 Page 35 #2-5, 7 Biotic Abiotic