1. Introducing Ecosystems
Section 2.2

2. First Task
Make a list of 20 things you have seen or used in the last day or two.
Try and identify what your “things” are made of.
Banana – sugar, vitamins
You have 5 minutes…I’m setting the timer!

3. Key Terms
Ecosystem: all the living organisms and their physical and chemical environment
Community: population of different plants/animals in a given location
Population: the number of a given species in a given location
i.e. there are 20 deer in a forest (population), the 20 deer, 30 mice, 500 trees in a forest (community)
Biotic Factor: living things in the environment (animals, plants, etc)
Abiotic Factor: non-living factors in the environment (sunlight, wind, chemicals in the soil, etc)
Sustainability: the ability to maintain an ecological balance.

4. Examples of Ecosystems
Coniferous Forest:
Coral Reef:
Long cold winters
Moderate rainfall
snowy
Warm water
Shallow water
Variety of fish and plant life

5. Sustainability of Ecosystems
Most natural ecosystems can remain constant over a long period of time.
Human activity can interfere with the ability of ecosystems to survive.
Humans have made artificial ecosystems (golf course, fish tanks, etc). These take a lot of work to maintain.

6. Biotic Abiotic Today’s Tasks Try This Activity: Page 35 #2-5, 7
Using your list of material complete #3-4 on Pg. 33
Page 35 #2-5, 7
Biotic
Abiotic