The Organization of Life Ecosystems and Diversity Chapter 4

Ecosystem All of the organisms living in an area together with their physical environment All of the organisms living in an area together with their physical environment 2 types of ecosystems 2 types of ecosystems Aquatic- water Aquatic- water Terrestrial- land Terrestrial- land

Survival In order to survive, an ecosystem needs 5 basic components In order to survive, an ecosystem needs 5 basic components 1. Energy- usually from the sun 1. Energy- usually from the sun 2. Mineral nutrients 2. Mineral nutrients 3. Water 3. Water 4. Oxygen 4. Oxygen 5. Living organisms 5. Living organisms

Factors Biotic factors- the living and once living parts of an ecosystem Biotic factors- the living and once living parts of an ecosystem Abiotic factors- The nonliving parts of the ecosystem (air, water, rocks) Abiotic factors- The nonliving parts of the ecosystem (air, water, rocks)

Components of an Ecosystem Organism- a living thing (multi-celled or single celled); anything that can carry out life processes independently Organism- a living thing (multi-celled or single celled); anything that can carry out life processes independently All organisms live in a particular place called a habitat All organisms live in a particular place called a habitat For example: For example: Cactus live in the desert Cactus live in the desert Dolphins live in the ocean Dolphins live in the ocean

Components Species- organisms that are closely related and are capable of producing fertile offspring Species- organisms that are closely related and are capable of producing fertile offspring Population- members of the same species living in the same area at the same time Population- members of the same species living in the same area at the same time Community- two or more populations living in the same area at the same time Community- two or more populations living in the same area at the same time

o Ecosystem- all the organisms living in an environment; includes abiotic and biotic factors o Biosphere - The Earth- All land, water and air where life exists

Diversity of Living Things *Classify organisms by fossil records *Classify organisms by fossil records *Evolutionary Characteristics *Evolutionary Characteristics *Hierarchy of Matter: *Hierarchy of Matter: atom, molecule, organelle, atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism

6 Kingdoms o o Archaebacteria Eubacteria Fungi Protists Plants Animals

Biodiversity The number and variety (sum) of all organisms in a given area The number and variety (sum) of all organisms in a given area Approx 2 million known species (most insects) Approx 2 million known species (most insects) Estimate more than 9 million not yet discovered Estimate more than 9 million not yet discovered

Benefits of Biodiversity Stability of ecosystems and sustainability of populations Stability of ecosystems and sustainability of populations Balances energy and nutrients/food security Balances energy and nutrients/food security Increases genetic diversity and decreases chances of genetic disease Increases genetic diversity and decreases chances of genetic disease

Biodiversity at Risk Extinction - the last member of a species dies and the species ceases to exist (can be a natural event) Extinction - the last member of a species dies and the species ceases to exist (can be a natural event) Extirpation – the extinction of a certain population from a given area, but not the entire species globally Extirpation – the extinction of a certain population from a given area, but not the entire species globally

Causes of Biological Loss Invasive/Exotic Species (species not belong in area) Invasive/Exotic Species (species not belong in area) Pollution Pollution Over-harvesting, Hunting, and Poaching Over-harvesting, Hunting, and Poaching Climate change Climate change **Habitat destruction, loss, and fragmentation = BIGGEST THREAT **Habitat destruction, loss, and fragmentation = BIGGEST THREAT

Ways to Save Biodiversity Captive Breeding Programs Captive Breeding Programs Preserving Genetic Material (storing to be used in future) Preserving Genetic Material (storing to be used in future) Artificial Selection (done under human direction) Artificial Selection (done under human direction) Zoos, Parks, Aquariums, and Gardens Zoos, Parks, Aquariums, and Gardens Conservation Conservation

Areas of Critical Biodiversity Hotspots – pinpoint areas of high diversity; support an especially great diversity of endemic (native) species Hotspots – pinpoint areas of high diversity; support an especially great diversity of endemic (native) species Examples: Examples: Tropical Rain Forests Tropical Rain Forests Coral Reefs and Coral Ecosystems Coral Reefs and Coral Ecosystems Islands Islands