Ecosystems: Everything is Connected “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” – John Mur, American Explorer and Naturalist

What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem includes all the different organisms living in a certain area, along with their physical environment. Composed of both biotic and abiotic factors, which interact with each other.

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors? Biotic – the living parts of the ecosystems Animals, plants, microorganisms Abiotic – the nonliving parts of the ecosystem Temperature, sunlight, humidity, water supply, soil type, mineral nutrients

Niche vs. Habitat Niche – an organism’s way of life, how it contributes to and fits into its environment Habitat – the actual place the organisms lives in (its address)

Organisms vs. Species Organism – one individual living thing Species – a group of organisms that are able to produce fertile offspring, and that share common genes and therefore resemble one another Name Some Examples!!

Population vs. Community Population – a group of individuals of the same species living in a particular place. Ex: Bullfrog population on a pond Community – a group of interacting populations of different species Ex: A pond community includes the populations of all the different plants, fish, insects, amphibians, and microorganisms that live in and around the pond.

Carrying Capacity

Population Increases Excess Food Supply Lower predation and competition Low population density

Population Decreases Competition - lower food supply High population density High predation Waste build-up

Dispersal Patterns RandomRegularClumped