1. Relationships in Ecosystems
…from competition to cooperation…

2. Obtaining Energy Producers: Make their own energy
Photosynthesis: Use sunlight with chlorophyll to produce energy
Chemosynthesis: Use a chemical to produce energy
These organisms are usually found at great depths in the ocean

3. Obtaining Energy Consumers: Organisms that cannot make their own food
Herbivores: Eat only plants
Omnivores: Eat plants and meat
Carnivores: Eat only meat
Decomposers: Consume wastes and dead organisms

4. Niches Niche: The roll of an organisms in its environment
What it eats & gets water
Where it gets shelter
Where it finds it mates and cares for its young
Where it avoids danger

5. Niches
Special adaptations that improve an organisms survival are often part of an organisms niche
A rotting log can provide for many organisms, each with its own niche
What types of niches might be provided by a log?

6. Symbiosis Definition: Any close relationship between organisms.
Not all relationships involve food, they also involve resources such as water and shelter.

7. Symbiosis
Mutualism: A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit
Commensalism: A symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits, while the other is not affected
Parasitism: A symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and the other is harmed

8. Predator & Prey Predator: Prey:
An organism that captures and eats other organisms
Prey:
The organism that is caught and eaten

9. Predator and Prey Predators limit the size of the prey population
What benefits might exist due to limiting the prey population?
The existence of predators in an area indicates that many organisms live in the area
Why do you think this is?

10. Cooperation Often individuals work together to improve survival
A deer will alert its neighbors to the presence of wolves in an area
These interactions are part of an organisms niche

11. Your Turn Choose a local organism.
Write a paragraph (4-5 sentences) about it’s niche.
Where it lives
What it eats
How it cares for its young
Interactions with other organisms
Etc.