3 Laws of Nature Everything is interconnected. Everything is always changing. Everything must go somewhere.

Ecosystems An ecosystem is an area where living things interact with the environment, functioning as an entire unit. All ecosystems are "open" systems in the sense that energy and matter are transferred in and out.

Biological Organization

Biological Organization

Abiotic Parts (Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere) Abiotic & Biotic All ecosystems contain interacting abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) parts. Abiotic Parts (Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere) Climate - temperature - precipitation Soil - minerals Landscape Atmosphere Water Sun Biotic Parts (Biosphere) Plants Animals Microbes Fungi Humans Producers Consumers Decomposers

Energy Flow Through Food Chains Producers Consumers Minerals Decomposers

Energy for Life Photosynthesis (Plants) Carbon dioxide + Water Glucose + Oxygen Respiration (Animals & Plants) Glucose + Oxygen Energy + Carbon dioxide + Water Sun

Energy Pyramids Energy Pyramid

Food Web – A more accurate picture

Symbiotic Interactions Mutualism – both organisms benefit Commensalism – one benefits, the other is not harmed Parasitism – one benefits, the other is harmed

Invasive Species

Invasive Species They thrive in their introduced environment because they: have no natural enemies. adapt well to their new habitat and find an abundance of food and shelter. have good reproductive success. have an extensive range of tolerance. Hence, they have very few limiting factors.

Invasive Species continued… They harm the existing ecosystem they are invading by: out-competing native species for food and space. upsetting the balance of interactions in the food web. lowering the overall bio-diversity of the ecosystem since native species can eventually become extinct. They can also become a pest to humans when they eat crops or become a nuisance in our homes, businesses and recreation areas.