1. Components of an Ecosystem Notes

2. An ecosystem consists of all of the living organisms and all of the non- living elements that interact in an area.

3. The study of how organisms interact with one another as well as with their environment is called ecology.

4. Requirements of an ecosystem:

5. There must be a constant flow of energy into the ecosystem.

6. Organisms must use the energy to make organic compounds. (photosynthesis)

7. Materials must be cycled between the living organisms & the environment. (food web, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle)

8. Anything living or anything made by living things in an ecosystem are called biotic factors.

9. Examples: plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, paper, corals, shells, etc…

10. All of the non-living things in an ecosystem are called abiotic factors.

11. Examples: sunlight, soil, rocks, water, temperature, clouds, gases etc…

12. How do we know if something is living or not?

13. Characteristics shared by living organisms:

14. All living things are made of cells.

15. Metabolism: All of the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms.

16. Nutrition: Food must be obtained and converted into usable form.

17. Respiration: The way organisms make the energy needed to survive.

18. Transport: Movement of materials within an organism.

19. Excretion: Ridding the body of waste products.

20. Growth: Increase in the size or number of cells.

21. Reproduction: Ensures the continuation of a species.

22. Adaptability: Ability to respond to changes in the environment.

23. Levels of organization: Atoms (elements)=> molecules (compounds)=> organelles=> cells=> tissues=> organs=> organism (individual)=> species=> population=> community=> ecosystem=> biome=> biosphere

24. Organism: Any living thing.

25. Species: Group of organisms that can mate & produce fertile offspring.

26. Population: All of the organisms of the same species that live in an area at the same time.

27. Community: All of the populations that live together in an area.

28. Ecosystem: All of the living & non-living things that interact in an area.

29. Biome: Large geographical areas or ecosystems that share similar plant & animals species that are adapted to a specific climate & environment… may be terrestrial or aquatic.

30. Biosphere: The part of the earth & its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life.