Chapter 4 Organization of Life Ecosystems OUR PLANET Chapter 4 Organization of Life Ecosystems

Levels of Organization organism population community ecosystem biome biosphere

Life On Earth Biosphere – The region on Earth where all living things are found; From the highest mountain to the ocean floor The biosphere is divided into many biomes which are made up of many individual… Ecosystems – All of the living and non-living elements in an area Abiotic Factors – The non-living elements; Sunlight, soil & water Biotic Factors – The living elements from bacteria to blue whales

Exploring The Ecosystem Living things within an ecosystem can be grouped into a… Community – A group of various species that interact Ex: Grass, elephants & wildebeests Within that community are many… Populations – A group of the same species living in a specific area Ex: A population of wildebeests And a population is made of many… Organisms – An individual living thing Ex: Bob the Wildebeest Habitat – An area where an organism lives

The Components of an Ecosystem In order to survive, ecosystems need certain basic components: energy, mineral nutrients, water, oxygen and living organisms. Most energy in an ecosystem comes from the sun

The Importance of Abiotic Factors Not every organism can live everywhere on Earth Abiotic factors determine which organisms can survive where: Temperature – effect on body temperature Water – too much/not enough water Light – availability for photosynthetic organisms Wind – amplifies effects of temperature Rocks/Soil – which organisms can live with/on them, based on pH and mineral composition Periodic Disturbances – catastrophes, such as tornadoes, fires, tsunamis, etc.

What word would a scientist use to describe this area? An Ecosystem List the Abiotic Factors Sunlight Water Soil Temperature List the Biotic Factors Bird Bugs Frog Fish Plants

What term describes all of these interacting species? A Community This lake would be considered part of the blue jay’s… Habitat What term describes all of the lily pads in this image? A population What term describes the frog sitting by the lake? An organism

What is a species? Defined as organisms that can interbreed with one another, and produce fertile offspring

Why aren’t there any mommy & daddy ligers? What Is A Species? Species – A group of organisms that can mate to produce fertile offspring, such as the Canis lupus familiaris, aka… Dogs! How can these very different animals still belong to the same species? Because they make puppies that continue to reproduce. Why aren’t there any mommy & daddy ligers?

When two organisms of different species interbreed, the offspring is called a HYBRID Is offspring fertile? Example:  ligers and mules

What have you learned in this unit? Let’s Review… What have you learned in this unit? 1. Describe three extreme regions of the biosphere. 2. Where can an ecosystem be found in Barnegat? 3. Provide some abiotic factors that are common to the north pole. 4. Compare the biotic & abiotic factors of a desert & marsh.