Study of all the interactions within an ecosystem Ecology

The study of interactions that take place between organisms and their environment. The interaction of biotic and abiotic factors.

Biotic Factors The Living parts of the environment. (giraffe, trees, grass…)

Abiotic Factors The Nonliving parts of the environment. (temp., humidity, rocks, water…)

Living Levels of Organization Cell – Tissue – Organs - *Organism – *Species – *Population – *Community – *Ecosystems – *Biomes –*Biosphere

Species

Population

Community

Niche The role an organism plays in its environment. Rule: No two organisms can occupy the same niche at the same time for very long.

Ecosystem Made up of interacting populations in a biological community this includes the abiotic factors as well. There are two major kinds of ecosystems— terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems.

Biomes Rainforest Taiga Desert Tundra Deciduous Temperate Rainforest Ocean Lake River

Let’s name some Aquatic freshwater…. saltwater…… brackish water… Terrestrial…

Section 2.1 Summary – pages The biosphere is the portion of Earth that supports living things. It extends from high in the atmosphere to the bottom of the oceans. The Biosphere

Section 2.1 Summary – pages Organisms in Ecosystems A habitat is the place where an organism lives out its life.

Symbiosis Living Together 3 Types

Mutualism Both species Benefit from the relationship.

Parasitism One species benefits the other is harmed

Commensalism One species benefits The other is not hurt or helped

Organisms and Energy All the energy on Earth ultimately comes from the sun!!

Autotroph Organisms that use the energy from the sun to produce their own food. (producers)

Heterotroph Consumes other organisms as food source. 3-Types 1. Herbivores 2. Carnivores 3. Scavengers and decomposers

Herbivores Heterotrophs that consume plants only. Ex: cows, deer, rabbits… (First order consumers)

Carnivores Heterotrophs that consume other animals. Ex: Humans, cats… (Second… order consumers.)

Omnivore Eats dead and living organisms. Example…us

Scavengers Feed on ONLY dead organisms. Ex: vultures

Decomposers Break down dead plants and animals. Ex: Bacteria and fungus In an aquatic system these organisms are called… DETRITIVORES

How does energy flow through the ecosystem??? In ONE direction only

Section 2.2 Summary – pages Sun-Producers-Consumers-Decomposers- Released as heat Autotrophs First-order heterotrophs Third-order heterotrophs Second-order heterotrophs Decomposers

Food Chain Simplest exchange of energy.

Food Web: Interconnected, overlapping food chains

Food Web

Ecological Pyramids Shows how energy flows through the ecosystem

Energy Pyramid Shows how energy decreases by 90% at each trophic level. Only 10% of the energy is passed onto the next level.

Energy Pyramid Organisms at the bottom of the pyramid are more numerous than at the top.

Different Types of Pyramids

Nutrients Nutrients cycle continuously cycle through the ecosystem, never disappearing. Nutrients CARBON Nutrients NITROGEN Nutrients PHOHOHOROUS

Water Cycle Helps move nutrients and sustain all life in an ecosystem. Evaporation Condensation Precipitation…moves water on surface Ground water Aquifers Percolation…stores and purifies water

Water Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle 2 most important parts…takes nitrogen from atmosphere and moves it into ecosystem. 1. Nitrification 2. Denitrification

Carbon Cycle Simply moves carbon from atmosphere into ecosytem. Supports most all living organisms…carbon is produced by autotrophs by ENERGY from the SUN. By far the most abundant nutrient.

Carbon Cycle