Species Relationships Read p Ch 36.1

Species Relationships Interactions that allow organisms to obtain energy and materials for life, and to maintain homeostasis within populations, communities, and ecosystems

Feeding Relationships Autotrophs: (auto = self) organisms that use energy from the Sun or energy stored in chemical bonds to produce food for themselves –AUTOTROPHS = PRODUCERS –Examples: plants, algae, bacteria that contain chlorophyll (blue-green bacteria)

Heterotrophs: (hetero=other) organims that depends on autotrophs as nutrient and energy sources –HETEROTROPHS = CONSUMERS

Types of Consumers Herbivore – feeds on producers –Ex. rabbits, deer Carnivore – feeds on consumers –Ex. Lions, tigers –Scavengers: animals that feed on dead animals (Ex. ants, vultures, beetles, etc)

Omnivore: feed on producers and consumers –Ex.Raccoons, coyotes, bears Decomposer: organisms that break down and absorb nutrients from dead organisms –Ex. certain bacteria, protists, fungi

Habitat vs. Niche Habitat: the place where an organism lives out its life –An organim’s “address” –Ex. An African lion’s habitat is the savanna –Ex. A lily pad’s habitat is a temperate pond

Niche: the role a species plays in a community –An organism’s “occupation” –Materials (space, food, mates, etc) and conditions (temp, moisture, etc.) an organism needs to live and reproduce –No 2 species have the exact same niche (Overlapping can occur)

What is an African Lion’s niche? Warm temps Tall grass Prey to hunt/feed Open spaces Other lions (pride)

Assignment On a different piece of paper… –Pick an organism –Name its habitat –List 5 things in its niche *Can’t use humans, pets, farm animals Turn it in when you’re finished!