Unit 3 – Biology: Sustainable Ecology

Is there life on this planet?

Life on Planet Earth What special features and conditions does Earth have that make life possible? Some people say that Earth itself is a living organism. Does that seem possible to you?

Biology is the study of living things Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms, and organisms and their environment.

Levels of Ecological Organization Organism: A single living thing Ex. Animals, Insects, Bacteria, Plants 2) Population: A group of individuals of the same species, living together in the same region Ex. white pines, Colonel By students, a hornets nest Community: A group of organisms, naturally connected and living in the same region Ex. a lake including the turtles, fish, frogs, algae, bact.

Ecosystem: The interactions between the biotic community (the living organisms) and the abiotic (non- living environment) Biome: A large geographical region with a particular climate and characterized by particular plants and animals Ex. desert, arctic, rain forest, ocean, swamp etc. Biosphere: The part of the Earth where organisms exist naturally

Ecosystems An area in which living organisms interact with other living components (biotic) and non-living components (abiotic) All the living organisms that share a region and interact with each other and their non-living environment.

Abiotic Factors The non-living components of an ecosystem.

Biotic Factors The living or once living parts of an ecosystem. Ex: plants and animals.

Ecosystem What level is this? Biotic factors Present? Kingfisher, Frog, Fish, Snail, Water boatman, Pond skater, Dragonfly Abiotic factors Present? Sunlight, Water, Soil

Abiotic Never-living: light from the sun, humidity, temperature, the concentration of oxygen in the air, water, wind, precipitation. Biotic living: plants, animals, bacteria, etc. Once-living: fossil fuels, leaves, wood, paper, etc.

Why study ecology? Ecology is the study of relationships that living organisms have with each other and with their natural environment.  To find out how the world works and how our environment affects human lives.  To observe organisms interact with each other and with their environment  To find out how our actions impact our environment, and how to protect it (sustainability)

What is Sustainability? The ability to maintain an ecological balance. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations

What is a sustainable ecosystem? Populations of living organisms can continue to interact and reproduce indefinitely. One that can survive and thrive without humans having to continually add or take out of the system. a system that survives, functions, and is renewed over time; a system in which people can continue to live and flourish for many generations.

How would you describe a tropical rain forest? Biotic Factors large, tropical deciduous trees with a wide variety of plants spread along the forest floor. There may also be a number of different animals ranging from weird insects to monkeys, snakes, and large jungle cats.

How would you describe a tropical rain forest? There is one biotic factor in this description, what its it? Abiotic Factors underlying the lush forest is a loose soil rich in nutrients and a large amount of decaying organic matter, important in returning nutrients to the soil. Temperatures are generally warm and precipitation is abundant.

Earth’s 4 Spheres

The Atmosphere What is it? What is it made of? What does it hold in? A layer of gases surrounding the earth. What is it made of? Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Water vapour, other gases What does it hold in? Thermal energy What does it block out? Ultraviolet light After students complete the table above, ask them which features of the atmosphere help make life possible. Have volunteers supply answers. Point out that: • all living things need water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen • thermal energy held in keeps temperatures moderate for life • UV light blocked helps protect life

Lithosphere Earth’s Solid Outer Layer

All of Earth’s water, in solid, liquid, and gas form. Hydrosphere All of Earth’s water, in solid, liquid, and gas form.

Biosphere The zone around the earth where life can exists. Locations where life can exist within the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

HMWK Complete the handout Silence of the frogs