Symbiotic Relationships, Energy Pyramids and Kingdoms Simple Review

Symbiotic Relationships The word symbiosis means living together. Symbiotic relationships deal with how different organisms interact in their natural environment. Different types of symbiotic relationships include: predation, mutualism, parasitism and commensalism.

Symbiotic Relationships +,- Predation: Predation is the feeding of one organism on the other. For example, a hawk (predator) killing and eating a mouse (prey). The hawk benefits (+), the mouse dies(-). Parasitism: Is the relationship in which one organism will benefit and the other is harmed. For example, fleas (parasite) and a dog (host). The fleas benefit (+) by feeding on the dogs blood, but the dog is harmed (-) because he is now lacking nutrients and is weak.

Symbiotic Relationships +,- Commensalism: Relationship in which one species benefits and the other is unaffected (is not harmed or helped). For example, a shrimp and a sea anemone (plant). The shrimp benefits (+) from the protection and shelter that the sea plant provides, and the sea plant is not harmed or helped(/) by the shrimp.

Symbiotic Relationships +,- Mutualism: This relationship benefits both organisms involved. For example, a bee will pollinate/fertilize a flower and in return the bee receives nectar from the flower. They are both helping each other out (+,+).

Feeding Relationships Autotrophs: Organisms that use energy from the sun to produce their own food. (Plants using photosynthesis). Autotrophs are often referred to as producers. Heterotrophs: Organisms that depend on autotrophs for food. Because they consume food rather than make their own food, heterotrophs are also called consumers. Herbivore: Organism that only eats plants.

Feeding Relationships Carnivore: organism that only eats meat. Omnivore: Organism that eat both meat and plants. Decomposers: Consumers that breakdown dead or decaying organisms. (Bacteria and fungi are examples of decomposers).

Food Chains Food chains show how energy and nutrients are passed from autotroph to heterotroph, and eventually to decomposers.

Food Chain/Food Pyramid A food chain represents only one possible path for the transfer of matter and energy in an ecosystem. A food chain can also be shown as a food pyramid. Each level of a food chain or food pyramid is known as a trophic level. (Grass is on the 1st trophic level, the hawk is in the 4th trophic level).

Food Webs Food web portrays all possible feeding relationships at each trophic level in a community. NOTICE THE DIRECTION OF THE ARROWS! The plants and fruit are being eaten by the insects. Think about it as if the fruit/plants are going inside of the insect.

Flow of energy A pyramid of energy illustrates how energy is lost at each trophic level. The total energy transfer from one level to the other is about 10%, since organisms do not eat all food available at the trophic level below them. Also, the energy from this food is used for body processes. MUCH OF THE ENERGY IS LOST TO THE ENVIRONMENT AS HEAT!

Taxonomy Taxonomy: grouping and naming organisms. Groups in the classification system include: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. Remember! “King Phillip Cried Out For Goodness Sake”! A kingdom is the highest, and least specific, level of classification. A species is a group of closely related, interbreeding organisms within a genus. (Genus: Dog, Species: Poodle, Chihuahua)

Kingdoms All organisms are placed into six kingdoms.

Six Kingdoms Kingdom Archaebacteria: bacteria that live in harsh environments. Kingdom Eubacteria: the “true” bacteria Kingdom Protista: protists (includes amoebas and seaweed) Kingdom fungi: includes mushrooms and yeasts; most are decomposers.

Six Kingdoms cont’d. Kingdom Plantae: includes all plants Kingdom Animalia: all animals (includes sponges, jellyfish, worms and insects).

Dichotomous Key A Dichotomous key is a tool for identifying the right species of an organism. A series of questions have to be answered in order to find the correct classification.

LINKS and ACTIVITIES!! Create your own food web! You can choose from an African or Australian grassland, or a Antarctic and marine food web. http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/kids_web.htm Another great site to use for food chains/webs http://www.vtaide.com/png/foodchains.htm