1. Interactions in an Ecosystem

2. Ecosystem- Two Processes Separate and NOT EQUAL
Energy Flow
Nutrient Cycles

3. One directional Part 1: Energy Flow Energy Enters Atmosphere (Light)
Energy Exits Atmosphere
(Heat)

4. Energy Flow
-Heat Energy energy
-Light energy
Kinetic energy

5. Energy Flow
Energy flow begins with light energy

6. Sun’s Light Energy  transformed into chemical energy through photosynthesis!
Autotrophs (aka Producers) – make (produce) their own food
6CO2 + 6H2O  C6H12O6 + 6O2
(FOOD)

7. Photosynthesis On land – green plants
Upper levels of ocean water + ponds – algae (photosynthetic protista)
In salt marshes + tidal flats – photosynthetic bacteria

8. Sun’s Light Energy  Chemical Energy
As the plant grows, some of the energy is used for life processes. But most of the ENERGY acquired from the sun is LOST as heat energy.

9. Green PlantsHerbivores
As the mouse lives, some of the energy is used for life processes (heart beat, etc.), but most of the ENERGY is LOST as heat energy.

10. Herbivores  Carnivores
As the fox lives, some of the energy is used for life processes (heart beat, etc.), but most of the ENERGY is LOST as heat energy.

11. All Animals and Plants eventually…DIE

12. Energy flow
After death, animals and plants get consumed by decomposers.

13. Energy Flow Nutrients in the dead plants and animals are recycled BUT
Energy exits the Earth in the form of heat

14. Deep Ocean Ecosystem, etc.
A different type of ecosystem exists deep below the ocean waters, volcanic vents + tidal marshes
This ecosystem depends on Chemosynthesis instead of Photosynthesis for capturing energy*.

15. Ecological Pyramid showing Energy Loss at each Level
90% of energy is lost as heat
Trophic level 1
Trophic level 3
Trophic level 2
Trophic level 4
.1% energy
1% energy
10% energy
100% energy
90% of energy is lost as heat
90% of energy is lost as heat
90% of energy is lost as heat

16. Ecosystem- Two Processes Separate and NOT EQUAL
Energy Flow
Energy (as Light) Enters and Exits an Ecosystem (as Heat)
Everyday, the sun’s energy enters the atmosphere and everyday heat energy exits the atmosphere
Energy is not recycled.
Nutrient Cycle
Nutrients (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.) found on Earth are used and reused in ecosystems
No new nutrients are added to those we have on Earth, and no nutrients exit the Earth

17. Nutrient Cycles Food Webs and Food Chains – Illustrate the
feeding relationships and
movement of nutrients and energy through an ecosystem

18. Plants get their Nutrients from
CO2 in the air and H2O from the soil
Trace elements (nutrients), such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium are also found in the soil.

19. Herbivores get their nutrients from eating plants

20. Carnivores get their nutrients from eating other animals
Just Kidding!!! There are NO Killer Rabbits!

21. All Animals and Plants eventually Die and are Decomposed
Nutrients in the organism are returned to the soil,

22. Or the Ocean

23. Or the Atmosphere

24. Nutrients are then Reused
And Reused…

25. Deep in the Ocean
Another Nutrient Cycle Exists alongside of hydrothermal vents.
Energy is provided through chemical activity.
Nutrients cycle within the depths from one organism to another.

26. Nutrients Cycles
Phosphorus cycle
Water Cycle

27. Food Chains (nutrients)
One organism is followed by a second organism in a food chain.

28. Food Web (nutrients)
(All of the) Complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem.