1. What is an ecosystem?

2. An ecosystem consists of the plants and animals of an area, and all the things which make up their surroundings – like soil, water and air. It can be a small area such as a pond; a medium sized area such as a wood; or a large area such as the earth itself. An ecological system (Ecosystem) is a natural system which involves the interaction of living things with their environment.

3. Animals People Climate Soils Vegetation

9. Soils People Plants Climate/Atmosphere Animals

10. Soils People Plants Climate/Atmosphere Animals Ecosystems Concept Map

11. Soils People Plants Climate/Atmosphere Animals Ecosystems Concept Map Weathering breaks down rocks – into soil Plants need heat

12. Components of an ecosystem Abiotic – the non living factors of an ecosystem – geology, water and soils Producers or Autotrophs – organisms which manufacture their own food eg green plants make their own food using the sun’s energy Consumers or Heterotrophs - organisms that cannot make their own food – they must obtain energy from other animals and organisms Decomposers – organisms that break down other organisms (eg Bacteria)

13. Being a Consumer/Heterotroph! Herbivore – Eats only plants (Primary) Detrivore – Eats dead plants and animals Carnivore – Eats other animals (Secondary) Omnivore – Eats both plants and animals

14. Food Chains! Oak Leaf Producer Caterpillar Herbivore Hawk Carnivore Thrush Carnivore

15. Food Webs

16. Links in Ecosystems LINK 1 – Food Chains and Webs This shows a food web in a woodland area. What would happen if the RABBITS were removed from the ecosystem?

17. BIOMASS Weight of living material (plants and organisms) LITTER Surface layer of vegetation SOIL Trees and Organisms die. Leaves Fall Nutrients Taken up by Plants Nutrients released As plants and leaves Decompose Some additional nutrients Added by weathering of parent rock Some nutrients lost due to leaching The Nutrient Cycle