Introduction to Ecosystems Part 1

Ecology Eco = house or where someone lives. Eco = house or where someone lives. Logy = study Logy = study Study of the interaction between organisms and their environment Study of the interaction between organisms and their environment

Ecosystem Self sustaining collection of organisms Self sustaining collection of organisms Includes all life forms in a given area and their environment Includes all life forms in a given area and their environment

Biosphere A collection of ecosystems A collection of ecosystems

Population A group of organisms of the same species that live together A group of organisms of the same species that live together (Bufo americanus tadpoles) (Bufo americanus tadpoles)

Organism A living creature (Bufo americanus) A living creature (Bufo americanus) Refers to a single individual Refers to a single individual

Community Groups of Populations Groups of Populations Different species living together Different species living together

What is in your ecosystem? Biotic Factors Biotic Factors Anything living or comes from a living thing Anything living or comes from a living thing Ex: Animals, Plants, dead organisms, waste Ex: Animals, Plants, dead organisms, waste Abiotic Factors Abiotic Factors Anything nonliving Anything nonliving Ex: Rocks, Oxygen, Water, Sunlight, Temperature, Rainfall, pH Ex: Rocks, Oxygen, Water, Sunlight, Temperature, Rainfall, pH

Healthy ecosystems Diversity Diversity Measure of the number of species living there Measure of the number of species living there More diverse = More Stable the environment More diverse = More Stable the environment Every animal has a specific role (Niche) Every animal has a specific role (Niche)

Unhealthy Ecosystems Little or no diversity Little or no diversity Monospecific Environment Monospecific Environment Ecosystem is more susceptible to diseases Ecosystem is more susceptible to diseases No organisms left to use or appreciate No organisms left to use or appreciate