Ecosystems

Ecosystems and Life Ecology – is the scientific study of how organisms interact with their environment and all other organisms that live in that environment.

Ecosystems and Life Ecosystem – is a particular environment and all the living things that are supported by it. Can be as small as a Pond Can be as large as a Desert

What makes up an ecosystem? All the living and nonliving things that make up an area. Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors

Biotic Factors in an ecosystem Plants – are an important source of food in any ecosystem. They also have an effect on temperature and atmospheric gases. Animals – are important to ecosystems for they can be ever changing the environment in which they live.

Biotic Factors in an ecosystem 1.) What are the Biotic factors in this ecosystem? 2.)How do the living factors in this ecosystem depend on one another?

ABiotic Factors in an ecosystem Physical factors – you can see or feel, such as the temperature or the amount of water or sunlight. Chemical Factors – the minerals and compounds found in the soil and whether the ecosystem’s water is fresh or salty.

ABiotic Factors in an ecosystem Temperature Affects the type of plants that will grow there The plants available for food and shelter, determine the types of animals that can live there. Musk Oxen – can survive in very cold temps. due to its thick coat of fur. Water Buffalo – survives in warmer temps. due to its light thin coat.

ABiotic Factors in an ecosystem Light The strength of sunlight and the amount of sunlight available in a ecosystem determine the types of plants and animals in that environment. Moss – can survive with little light as it is often found on the floors of forest. Cacti – can survive in environments where light is very strong.

ABiotic Factors in an ecosystem Soil Different ecosystems have different make up in their soil, this affects what type of plants and animals that can survive in this environment. Sandy soil – do not hold water well, allows water to flow easily through it. Clay soil – will not allow water to move through easily at all

ABiotic Factors in an ecosystem Water The amount of water available in an ecosystem depends on what life can be found there. All living things need water to survive. Rainforest – the wettest of all land ecosystems, are the most diverse. Desert – the driest land ecosystems, have far fewer types of plants and animals.

ABiotic Factors in an ecosystem 1.) What are the Abiotic factors in this ecosystem? 2.)How do the nonliving factors in this ecosystem depend on one another?

Energy and Ecosystems Energy Pyramid – a model that shows the amount of energy available at each feeding level of an ecosystem. The available energy gets smaller and smaller the farther up the pyramid you go!

Producers Is an organism that captures energy and stores it in food as chemical energy. How does Energy enter into the ecosystem? What process is this? Job of Producers: Is to make energy available to all the other living parts of an ecosystem. Producers Job – make energy available to all the other living parts of an ecosystem.

Producers Plants are the most common producers found in land ecosystems. Photosynthetic bacteria and algae are the most common producers found in water ecosystems.

Primary Consumers Organisms that get their energy by eating producers! What is the relationship between a producer-consumer in terms of energy? First link between the producers and the rest of the consumers in an ecosystem.

Primary Consumers Land – Rabbits, Antelopes, Grasshoppers, Caterpillars, Insects, Horses, Cows, Deer Water -Small fish, eel, snail, Water Beetles, Turtles

Secondary Consumers Secondary consumers eat primary consumers and will sometimes also eat producers. Land – Frogs, Snakes, Birds, Venus Fly trap, Spider Water – Tuna, dolphins, big sea turtles, striped bass

Tertiary Consumers A carnivore at the topmost level in a food chain that feeds on other carnivores; an animal that feeds on all levels of the pyramid. Land – Lion, Humans, Wolves, Bears, Tigers , Hawks Water – Alligator, Bigger Fish, Sharks, Whales

Decomposers Are organisms that break down dead plant and animal matter into simpler compounds “Clean Up Crew”

Food Web A model of the feeding relationships between many different consumers and producers in an ecosystem.

FOOD WEB CREATION 4 Producers 4 Primary Consumers 4 Secondary Consumers 3 Tertiary Consumers