Aim: Describe what ecosystems consist of. Topic: Ecology Aim: Describe what ecosystems consist of. (Write the topic and aim on the top of your ecology definitions) Do Now: Ditto- Evolution Review. Complete #1 HW: Food Chains Reading notes due tomorrow CL Evolution due Wednesday

Describe how this diagram represents evidence for evolution.   Describe how this diagram represents evidence for evolution. Different species that have similarities in embryological development MAY have evolved from a common ancestor.

Identify the sources of variation within a species. Mutations Sexual reproduction Selective breeding Genetic engineering 2. Describe the importance of variation within a species. Very little variation in a species can lead to extinction of that species if there is a major environmental change.

Identify the process is represented by the diagram. photosynthesis 2. Identify the raw materials needed for this process to occur. water and carbon dioxide 3. Identify the substance that is needed to produce energy. glucose

A B C D Identify the responses represented above. TROPISMS 2. Identify the chemical responsible for these responses. AUXINS 3. Identify the name of each response.

Branch of biology that deals with the interactions among organisms and their environment Ecology

Biotic Factors All LIVING organisms in the environment

Abiotic Factors NONLIVING factors in the environment H2O, O2, light, temperature, soil, nutrients

All biotic & abiotic factors in an environment Ecosystem

Organisms that belong to the SAME SPECIES in a given area Example: All the algae in the pond Population

Community All the living things (populations) in a given area Example: All the fish, frogs, plants, algae in a pond

Types of Organisms

Producers Autotrophs Ex: Plants, algae

carbon dioxide from the air water from the roots energy from sunlight (or light) food transported to the rest of the plant

Heterotrophs Consumers

Herbivores = feed on producers Types of Consumers

Carnivores = feed on animals (meat eating)

Predators = consumers that kill prey & feeds on them

Scavengers = consumers that feed on dead animals they find Ex: vultures

Omnivores = consumers that eat plants & animals

Decomposers = break down and consume remains of dead organisms and return nutrients into soil Ex: bacteria and fungi

Where an organism lives Organism’s “address” Habitat

Niche The role of a species in the environment Ex: how, when, or way they obtain nutrients, its reproductive behavior Niche

Niches of a sunflower growing in the backyard Absorb light, water and minerals Provide shelter and food for other organisms (e.g. bees, ants, etc.) Release oxygen into the atmosphere

2 organisms occupying the same niche Competition

Let’s summarize… Explain the difference between biotic and abiotic factors. Explain the difference between a population and a community. 3. Explain what an ecosystem consists of. 4. Explain the difference between a producer and a consumer. 5. Identify different types of consumers. 6. Explain the importance of decomposers.