1. 2.1 Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Ecosystems
Science 10
Mr. Francis

2. What is Ecology?
Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment.
Ecologists are scientists that study ecology
Ecologists use different levels of organization to guide their studies

3. Levels of organization
First level of organization
Organism – a single living thing
We study behaviors, functions, anatomy and physiology that organisms display in order to live in a specific habitat
Habitat is the specific area where an organism lives

4. Levels of Organization
Second level of organization - Population
A Population is a group of organisms of the same species that share a habitat
What is a population we see in the North Thompson?
A species is a group of organisms that are capable of reproducing and rearing viable offspring
Viable means the offspring can reproduce (not sterile)
Mules, Zebroids, Beefalo, Ligers and Wholphins are examples of hybrid organisms that can’t reproduce with their parent species successfully

5. Levels of Organization
Third level of organization - Community
Populations of different species of living things collectively make up the community
Identify the different species that make up the community within our local ecosystem

6. Levels of Organization
The fourth level of organization is the Ecosystem
The Ecosystem is composed of the community (biotic or living component) and the physical environment the community exists in (abiotic or non living)
Ecosystems are not defined by size or complexity, can be as small as a decaying log or as large as an ocean
Earth can be viewed as a giant Ecosystem, ecologists refer to the area on, in, and around earth where life is found as the Biosphere.

7. Examining the Ecosystem
The parts of an ecosystem can be categorized as either biotic factors or abiotic factors
Biotic factors are the living components in an ecosystem (Plants, Animals, Bacteria, Fungi)
Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem (temperature, wind, water, sunlight, oxygen
There is a strong connection between abiotic and biotic factors in ecosystems.
Abiotic factors determine what living things can be successful in a given area
Living things affect the abiotic component of the environment, this can again influence what lives in a certain area

8. Finding a balance There will always be changes within ecosystems
Dynamic Equilibrium is the balance point at which the composition of the ecosystem does not change, even though small changes are occurring within the ecosystem
Limiting Factors are the most important factors in determining what organisms can exist in an ecosystem. The amount of rain or sunlight determines what vegetation can grow in an area.

9. Assignment
P. 24 # 1-4, 7, 8
Be sure to title the assignment appropriately
Section 2.1 “Abiotic and Biotic Factors in Ecosystems” P. 24 # 1-4, 7,8.
Put your name and date on it
Provide full sentence answers where appropriate