Interactions in an Ecosystem

Ecosystem- Two Processes Separate and NOT EQUAL Energy Flow Nutrient Cycles

One directional Part 1: Energy Flow Energy Enters Atmosphere (Light) Energy Exits Atmosphere (Heat)

Energy Flow -Heat Energy energy -Light energy Kinetic energy

Energy Flow Energy flow begins with light energy

Sun’s Light Energy  transformed into chemical energy through photosynthesis! Autotrophs (aka Producers) – make (produce) their own food 6CO2 + 6H2O  C6H12O6 + 6O2 (FOOD)

Photosynthesis On land – green plants Upper levels of ocean water + ponds – algae (photosynthetic protista) In salt marshes + tidal flats – photosynthetic bacteria

Sun’s Light Energy  Chemical Energy As the plant grows, some of the energy is used for life processes. But most of the ENERGY acquired from the sun is LOST as heat energy.

Green PlantsHerbivores As the mouse lives, some of the energy is used for life processes (heart beat, etc.), but most of the ENERGY is LOST as heat energy.

Herbivores  Carnivores As the fox lives, some of the energy is used for life processes (heart beat, etc.), but most of the ENERGY is LOST as heat energy.

All Animals and Plants eventually…DIE

Energy flow After death, animals and plants get consumed by decomposers.

Energy Flow Nutrients in the dead plants and animals are recycled BUT Energy exits the Earth in the form of heat

Deep Ocean Ecosystem, etc. A different type of ecosystem exists deep below the ocean waters, volcanic vents + tidal marshes This ecosystem depends on Chemosynthesis instead of Photosynthesis for capturing energy*.

Ecological Pyramid showing Energy Loss at each Level 90% of energy is lost as heat Trophic level 1 Trophic level 3 Trophic level 2 Trophic level 4 .1% energy 1% energy 10% energy 100% energy 90% of energy is lost as heat 90% of energy is lost as heat 90% of energy is lost as heat

Ecosystem- Two Processes Separate and NOT EQUAL Energy Flow Energy (as Light) Enters and Exits an Ecosystem (as Heat) Everyday, the sun’s energy enters the atmosphere and everyday heat energy exits the atmosphere Energy is not recycled. Nutrient Cycle Nutrients (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.) found on Earth are used and reused in ecosystems No new nutrients are added to those we have on Earth, and no nutrients exit the Earth

Nutrient Cycles Food Webs and Food Chains – Illustrate the feeding relationships and movement of nutrients and energy through an ecosystem

Plants get their Nutrients from CO2 in the air and H2O from the soil Trace elements (nutrients), such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium are also found in the soil.

Herbivores get their nutrients from eating plants

Carnivores get their nutrients from eating other animals Just Kidding!!! There are NO Killer Rabbits!

All Animals and Plants eventually Die and are Decomposed Nutrients in the organism are returned to the soil,

Or the Ocean

Or the Atmosphere

Nutrients are then Reused And Reused…

Deep in the Ocean Another Nutrient Cycle Exists alongside of hydrothermal vents. Energy is provided through chemical activity. Nutrients cycle within the depths from one organism to another.

Nutrients Cycles Phosphorus cycle Water Cycle

Food Chains (nutrients) One organism is followed by a second organism in a food chain.

Food Web (nutrients) (All of the) Complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem.