Ecosystems and Their Ecosystems and Their Interactions Interactions Ecosystems and Their Ecosystems and Their Interactions Interactions

Environmental & Ecology PA Environmental & Ecology PA State StandardState Standard

4.6.12.ABC4.6.12.ABC

Ecosystems are a fine balance.Ecosystems are a fine balance.Ecosystems are a fine balance.Ecosystems are a fine balance. An introduction of one An introduction of one

species can interrupt species can interrupt an entire ecosystem.an entire ecosystem.

In 1988, human In 1988, human actions accidentally actions accidentally intervened in the intervened in the Great Lakes with the Great Lakes with the introduction of the introduction of the zebra mussel, an zebra mussel, an aquatic shelled animal aquatic shelled animal smaller than an adult smaller than an adult thumb. thumb.

Zebra musselZebra musselZebra musselZebra mussel They came in They came in

or on a boat or on a boat from Europe. from Europe. (Most likely in (Most likely in the ballast the ballast water of a water of a cargo ship)cargo ship)

Zebra mussel waterway invasionZebra mussel waterway invasionZebra mussel waterway invasionZebra mussel waterway invasion

•Zebra Zebra mussels have mussels have spread spread largely due to largely due to boatersboaters

Pros & Cons of zebra musselsPros & Cons of zebra musselsPros & Cons of zebra musselsPros & Cons of zebra mussels ConsCons

Grow in clumps and Grow in clumps and clog intake pipes for clog intake pipes for power plants and power plants and municipal water plants. municipal water plants.

Interfere with feeding, Interfere with feeding, growth, and growth, and reproduction of native reproduction of native musselsmussels

Eat all the Eat all the phytoplankton & phytoplankton & zooplankton that are zooplankton that are the foundation of the foundation of aquatic food chainsaquatic food chains

ProsPros Cleanse water of some Cleanse water of some

pollutantspollutants Lakes are clearer Lakes are clearer

allowing light to allowing light to penetrate deeper for penetrate deeper for more aquatic plant more aquatic plant growth.growth.

Ecologists learned that a Ecologists learned that a small change (one small change (one organisms) can have a organisms) can have a large impact on the entire large impact on the entire ecosystem, even if it is ecosystem, even if it is accidental.accidental.

THINK ABOUT THAT THE THINK ABOUT THAT THE NEXT TIME YOU WANT NEXT TIME YOU WANT TO RELEASE YOUR TO RELEASE YOUR UNWANTED PET INTO UNWANTED PET INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.THE ENVIRONMENT.

BiosphereBiosphereBiosphereBiosphere A layer of A layer of

soil, water, soil, water, and air that and air that sustains life.sustains life.

EcosystemEcosystemEcosystemEcosystem Consist of a group Consist of a group

of living of living organisms that organisms that interact with one interact with one another and the another and the nonliving physical nonliving physical environment as environment as one unitone unit

Terrestrial (land) ecosystemsTerrestrial (land) ecosystemsTerrestrial (land) ecosystemsTerrestrial (land) ecosystems

ForestForest

DesertDesert

GrasslandsGrasslands

These vary depending climate and soil in the area, as well These vary depending climate and soil in the area, as well as the type of organisms in it.as the type of organisms in it.

Forest EcosystemsForest EcosystemsForest EcosystemsForest Ecosystems

Common in PA- more than half the stateCommon in PA- more than half the state Oak-hickory most common in PA 47%Oak-hickory most common in PA 47%

Largest & most important plants in this Largest & most important plants in this ecosystemecosystem

Northern hardwoodsNorthern hardwoods 38% of state38% of state Birch, sugar, maple, beech, & black cherryBirch, sugar, maple, beech, & black cherry

Aquatic EcosystemsAquatic EcosystemsAquatic EcosystemsAquatic Ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystemsFreshwater ecosystems Ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, & wetlandsPonds, lakes, rivers, streams, & wetlands

Marine ecosystemsMarine ecosystems Estuaries, coastal marshes, coral reefs, and Estuaries, coastal marshes, coral reefs, and

the open oceanthe open ocean

Hierarchy of ecosystemsHierarchy of ecosystemsHierarchy of ecosystemsHierarchy of ecosystems

1.1. OrganismOrganism: any form of life: any form of life2.2. SpeciesSpecies: a group of organisms alike in several : a group of organisms alike in several

ways that can breedways that can breed3.3. PopulationPopulation: a group of individuals of the same : a group of individuals of the same

species in a given areaspecies in a given area4.4. CommunityCommunity: populations of living organisms that : populations of living organisms that

interact with one another in an ecosysteminteract with one another in an ecosystem5.5. EcosystemEcosystem: living & nonliving interacting: living & nonliving interacting

ExamplesExamplesExamplesExamples

Habitat Habitat Habitat Habitat

The place where a particular species lives The place where a particular species lives and from which it obtains what it needs for and from which it obtains what it needs for survivalsurvival

Can be as large as the Atlantic Ocean or Can be as large as the Atlantic Ocean or as small as a rotting log in a hardwood as small as a rotting log in a hardwood forest in northwestern PAforest in northwestern PA

Biotic Factors in an ecosystemBiotic Factors in an ecosystemBiotic Factors in an ecosystemBiotic Factors in an ecosystem

All living things All living things Ex: plants, animals, fungi, & microorganisms Ex: plants, animals, fungi, & microorganisms Can you list some in a PA forest???Can you list some in a PA forest???

These biotic factors interact with one These biotic factors interact with one another (predator-prey relationships)another (predator-prey relationships)

Abiotic factors in an ecosystemAbiotic factors in an ecosystemAbiotic factors in an ecosystemAbiotic factors in an ecosystem Nonliving physical and chemical parts of an Nonliving physical and chemical parts of an

ecosystemecosystem Although they are nonliving they still greatly Although they are nonliving they still greatly

influence the biotic factorsinfluence the biotic factors Can you think of some abiotic factors on land???? Can you think of some abiotic factors on land????

How about water????? How about water?????

How are they interdependent on one another?How are they interdependent on one another?

Each species survives best in a Each species survives best in a specific range of environmental specific range of environmental conditionsconditions

Each species survives best in a Each species survives best in a specific range of environmental specific range of environmental conditionsconditions Remember the macroinvertebrate studyRemember the macroinvertebrate study What types of water did trout prefer? Caddisflies? What types of water did trout prefer? Caddisflies?

leeches?leeches?

In PA beech trees survive best in shade whereas In PA beech trees survive best in shade whereas black cherry prefer open sunny locationsblack cherry prefer open sunny locations

In closed canopies, young black cherries cannot In closed canopies, young black cherries cannot survivesurvive

Human interaction can disrupt Human interaction can disrupt ecosystemsecosystemsHuman interaction can disrupt Human interaction can disrupt ecosystemsecosystems Constructing a dam can change the conditions of Constructing a dam can change the conditions of

the stream downstreamthe stream downstream They block nutrient rich sediment from going They block nutrient rich sediment from going

downstream because they back up behind the dam downstream because they back up behind the dam wall.wall.

Many plants & animals downstream sufferMany plants & animals downstream suffer Can block fish from heading upstream to Can block fish from heading upstream to

reproduce(salmon)reproduce(salmon) Alter the temperatures by raising and lowering the Alter the temperatures by raising and lowering the

water levelwater level

Human interaction can disrupt Human interaction can disrupt ecosystemsecosystemsHuman interaction can disrupt Human interaction can disrupt ecosystemsecosystems

Concentration of toxic substances in air, Concentration of toxic substances in air, water, and soilwater, and soil

Electric Power plantsElectric Power plants Acid rainAcid rain

Matter & Energy in an ecosystemMatter & Energy in an ecosystemMatter & Energy in an ecosystemMatter & Energy in an ecosystem

Food chain: the transfer of energy from Food chain: the transfer of energy from one organism to anotherone organism to another

As one organism eats another organism, that As one organism eats another organism, that energy is transferredenergy is transferred

Forest Food ChainForest Food ChainForest Food ChainForest Food Chain

Food Web: A network that shows Food Web: A network that shows many connected food chainsmany connected food chainsFood Web: A network that shows Food Web: A network that shows many connected food chainsmany connected food chains

Food chain vs Food webFood chain vs Food webFood chain vs Food webFood chain vs Food web A food chain is a linear depiction while a food A food chain is a linear depiction while a food

web shows the interconnectedness between all web shows the interconnectedness between all the organisms in the food chainsthe organisms in the food chains

Regardless, all of the energy begins with the sunRegardless, all of the energy begins with the sun Plants Plants photosynthesis photosynthesis glucose glucose

Producers Producers Producers Producers Uses elements from Uses elements from

the environment to the environment to make its own foodmake its own food Convert solar energy Convert solar energy

to chemical energy and to chemical energy and store it in their cellsstore it in their cells

Consumer Consumer Consumer Consumer An organism gets its An organism gets its

energy and nutrients energy and nutrients by feeding on other by feeding on other organismsorganisms

Different consumers: Herbivore, Different consumers: Herbivore, carnivore, omnivorecarnivore, omnivoreDifferent consumers: Herbivore, Different consumers: Herbivore, carnivore, omnivorecarnivore, omnivore

Primary consumer: feed on plants(herbivores)Primary consumer: feed on plants(herbivores) Secondary consumer: feeds on primary Secondary consumer: feeds on primary

consumers (carnivore/omnivore)consumers (carnivore/omnivore) Tertiary consumer: feeds on primary & Tertiary consumer: feeds on primary &

secondary consumerssecondary consumers List some examples of eachList some examples of each

Scavengers & DecomposersScavengers & DecomposersScavengers & DecomposersScavengers & Decomposers Scavenger: feeds on dead organismsScavenger: feeds on dead organisms

Decomposers: usually a type of bacteria or Decomposers: usually a type of bacteria or fungus that breaks down dead organisms and fungus that breaks down dead organisms and wasteswastes

These are both important because they These are both important because they breakdown wastes in the environmentbreakdown wastes in the environment

Trophic levelsTrophic levelsTrophic levelsTrophic levels

Contains all organisms in a feeding level Contains all organisms in a feeding level that are the same number of steps away that are the same number of steps away from the sunfrom the sun

As you move up from one trophic level to As you move up from one trophic level to another in an ecosystem, there is a 90% another in an ecosystem, there is a 90% loss of energy(as heat)loss of energy(as heat)

Trophic levels & energyTrophic levels & energyTrophic levels & energyTrophic levels & energy

That means only 10% of energy is passed That means only 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.from one trophic level to the next.

Food webs usually have no more than 4-5 Food webs usually have no more than 4-5 trophic levelstrophic levels

There is too little energy left to support There is too little energy left to support many higher organism (energy pyramid)many higher organism (energy pyramid)

Soil- a major part of an ecosystemSoil- a major part of an ecosystemSoil- a major part of an ecosystemSoil- a major part of an ecosystem Soil is a precious renewable resource because it Soil is a precious renewable resource because it

takes so many years to produce.takes so many years to produce.

Soils vary from place to place depending on the Soils vary from place to place depending on the parent material from which it is derived.parent material from which it is derived.

Each layer is called a soil horizonEach layer is called a soil horizon

Soil erosionSoil erosionSoil erosionSoil erosion

Depends on climate-precipitationDepends on climate-precipitation Human impact-logging, farmingHuman impact-logging, farming

These factors increase the rate of erosion, These factors increase the rate of erosion, supporting fewer producers and ultimately supporting fewer producers and ultimately fewer consumersfewer consumers

Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sedimentation- areas Sedimentation- areas

where large deposit of where large deposit of sediment accumulatesediment accumulate These are fertile area These are fertile area

because they carry a because they carry a lot of nutrients.lot of nutrients.

These can form deltasThese can form deltas

Carrying capacity of an EcosystemCarrying capacity of an EcosystemCarrying capacity of an EcosystemCarrying capacity of an Ecosystem

The number of The number of individuals of a individuals of a species that it can species that it can supportsupport

Carrying capacityCarrying capacityCarrying capacityCarrying capacity

Populations cannot grow indefinitely, Populations cannot grow indefinitely, individuals are born, migrate and or dieindividuals are born, migrate and or die

There are many factors which affect these There are many factors which affect these processes.processes.

Example Example Example Example Adequate rainfall, good weather, leads to Adequate rainfall, good weather, leads to

high production of acorns, which leads to high production of acorns, which leads to more turkeys surviving winter, therefore more turkeys surviving winter, therefore increased reproduction of turkeys.increased reproduction of turkeys.

Therefore, weather, habitat quality, species Therefore, weather, habitat quality, species survival, and reproduction all affect survival, and reproduction all affect population growth.population growth.

Limiting factorsLimiting factorsLimiting factorsLimiting factors

Factors that limit the growth of a populationFactors that limit the growth of a population

This is the most important factor because it This is the most important factor because it gives an ecosystem a finite capacity for gives an ecosystem a finite capacity for growthgrowth

Exponential growthExponential growthExponential growthExponential growth A line graph that A line graph that

shows exponential shows exponential growth forms a J-growth forms a J-shaped curveshaped curve

This cannot sustain This cannot sustain itself indefinitelyitself indefinitely

Carrying capacityCarrying capacityCarrying capacityCarrying capacity Population reaches its Population reaches its

carrying capacity carrying capacity forming a S-shaped forming a S-shaped curvecurve

Grows slowly at first Grows slowly at first then increases more then increases more & more quickly & more quickly depending on limiting depending on limiting factorsfactors

Overshooting the carrying capacity Overshooting the carrying capacity Overshooting the carrying capacity Overshooting the carrying capacity Deer population explodesDeer population explodes Eats tons of young shrubs and trees which Eats tons of young shrubs and trees which

deprives many other forest organisms that rely deprives many other forest organisms that rely on iton it

Some pops will die back, some will migrate to Some pops will die back, some will migrate to another area.another area.

Many other species will die back before the deer Many other species will die back before the deer wouldwould

Habitat & nichesHabitat & nichesHabitat & nichesHabitat & niches Habitat is an area where an organism livesHabitat is an area where an organism lives

A forest ecosystem may include tree branches, rotting A forest ecosystem may include tree branches, rotting logs, soil, holes in the tree trunks, or spaces under a logs, soil, holes in the tree trunks, or spaces under a rockrock

Niche is the role an organism plays within an Niche is the role an organism plays within an ecosystemecosystem Includes the food an organism eats and how it obtains Includes the food an organism eats and how it obtains

its foodits food Ex predator/prey diurnal/nocturnal Ex predator/prey diurnal/nocturnal

Niche Niche Niche Niche No two species can occupy the same niche in one No two species can occupy the same niche in one

ecosystem.ecosystem.

If they did for a short time, competition for food, If they did for a short time, competition for food, water, and space would cause one species to water, and space would cause one species to eliminate the other.eliminate the other. Darwin’s FinchesDarwin’s Finches Modify environment-plant send out toxins to keep other Modify environment-plant send out toxins to keep other

plants awayplants away Beavers build dams and restrict the flow of waterBeavers build dams and restrict the flow of water

Eastern wood ratEastern wood ratEastern wood ratEastern wood rat Knowing an organisms Knowing an organisms

niche helps protect itniche helps protect it

Eastern wood rat is Eastern wood rat is threatened in PAthreatened in PA

Ecologists are studying its Ecologists are studying its niche to try to help niche to try to help preserve the species preserve the species

Exotic speciesExotic speciesExotic speciesExotic species Exotic species often Exotic species often

occupy the same occupy the same niche as native niche as native species but are better species but are better able to compete with able to compete with them because the them because the exotic species have exotic species have no natural enemies in no natural enemies in the new ecosystemthe new ecosystem

HomeostasisHomeostasisHomeostasisHomeostasis The natural stability in an ecosystem The natural stability in an ecosystem

It helps an ecosystem resist transformation and It helps an ecosystem resist transformation and helps it recover when stresses are so great that helps it recover when stresses are so great that they cause serious problemsthey cause serious problems

Organisms in the ecosystem have the ability to Organisms in the ecosystem have the ability to resist change, but it is a delicate balanceresist change, but it is a delicate balance

Ecosystems can bounce backEcosystems can bounce backEcosystems can bounce backEcosystems can bounce back Hurricanes and fires occur in areas and Hurricanes and fires occur in areas and

devastate themdevastate them However, organisms have a way of bouncing However, organisms have a way of bouncing

back but it may change that particular back but it may change that particular ecosystem.ecosystem.

But some changes are too drastic and it may not But some changes are too drastic and it may not be able to repair itself.be able to repair itself.

BiomesBiomesBiomesBiomes

A geographical region of Earth that is A geographical region of Earth that is inhabited by a community of distinct types inhabited by a community of distinct types of plant and associated animal speciesof plant and associated animal species

Defined by climate (annual temps and Defined by climate (annual temps and precipitation), soils, latitude & altitudeprecipitation), soils, latitude & altitude

Types of biomesTypes of biomesTypes of biomesTypes of biomes LandLand Grassland Grassland DesertDesert HighlandHighland Ice capIce cap

Land biomes/forests:Land biomes/forests: Tropical rain forest Tropical rain forestLand biomes/forests:Land biomes/forests: Tropical rain forest Tropical rain forest Central SA, Africa, Southeast Asia & N.AustraliaCentral SA, Africa, Southeast Asia & N.Australia Largest in South America- AmazonLargest in South America- Amazon Heavy rainfall, lush vegetation growing in distinct Heavy rainfall, lush vegetation growing in distinct

layerslayers Lowest layer must adapt to limited sunLowest layer must adapt to limited sun

Poor soil-trees’ roots grow laterally to absorb Poor soil-trees’ roots grow laterally to absorb nutrients from leaf litternutrients from leaf litter

Greatest species diversity on Earth-80% of Greatest species diversity on Earth-80% of species but it covers only 2% of land surfacespecies but it covers only 2% of land surface

Land biomes/forests:Land biomes/forests: Tropical Deciduous/Scrub forest Tropical Deciduous/Scrub forestLand biomes/forests:Land biomes/forests: Tropical Deciduous/Scrub forest Tropical Deciduous/Scrub forest A deciduous tree is a tree that survives A deciduous tree is a tree that survives

during a cold or dry season by dropping its during a cold or dry season by dropping its leaves.leaves.

TD is similar to TR but less rain and less TD is similar to TR but less rain and less intensity, trees are intensity, trees are less less lush and dense lush and dense than TRthan TR

Scrub forests have Scrub forests have smallsmall deciduous and deciduous and evergreen trees.evergreen trees.

Land biomes/forests:Land biomes/forests:Temperate Deciduous Temperate Deciduous Land biomes/forests:Land biomes/forests:Temperate Deciduous Temperate Deciduous Moist areas with long, warm summers and cold Moist areas with long, warm summers and cold

winters (precipitation all year)winters (precipitation all year)

PA is in this biomePA is in this biome Dominate trees: oaks, hickories, maples, Dominate trees: oaks, hickories, maples,

beeches, and sycamoresbeeches, and sycamores Animals: bear, deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons Animals: bear, deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons

Land Biomes/Forests:Land Biomes/Forests:TemperateTemperateLand Biomes/Forests:Land Biomes/Forests:TemperateTemperate Mid-latitude coastal areas with mild Mid-latitude coastal areas with mild

winters/ heavy rainfallwinters/ heavy rainfall Coniferous forest(cone bearing trees) Coniferous forest(cone bearing trees)

dominate (pines, firs, spruces)dominate (pines, firs, spruces)

Oregon, Washington, CanadaOregon, Washington, Canada

Land Biomes/Forests:Land Biomes/Forests:Boreal Boreal Land Biomes/Forests:Land Biomes/Forests:Boreal Boreal

Taiga- northern most forestTaiga- northern most forest Evergreen conifers dominate Evergreen conifers dominate

Thin needles of evergreens help tree to survive in the Thin needles of evergreens help tree to survive in the cold weathercold weather

Long, cold, dry wintersLong, cold, dry winters Little diversity, poor soilLittle diversity, poor soil

Grassland BiomesGrassland BiomesGrassland BiomesGrassland Biomes

Less rain than forests but more than desert Less rain than forests but more than desert biomesbiomes

Periodic drought & seasonal fires help Periodic drought & seasonal fires help maintain natural grasslands from shrubs maintain natural grasslands from shrubs taking overtaking over

Grassland biome:Grassland biome:SavannaSavannaGrassland biome:Grassland biome:SavannaSavanna Grasslands of the tropic/subtropicGrasslands of the tropic/subtropic Warm all year, short wet season, long dry Warm all year, short wet season, long dry

seasonseason Largest in southern Africa, central South Largest in southern Africa, central South

America, Australia America, Australia Giraffes have specific niche to eat tops of Giraffes have specific niche to eat tops of

trees, zebras grass on groundtrees, zebras grass on ground

Grassland Biome:Grassland Biome:Temperate GrasslandTemperate GrasslandGrassland Biome:Grassland Biome:Temperate GrasslandTemperate Grassland Most interior of North AmericaMost interior of North America Tall-grass prairie of the Midwest & short-grass areas of Tall-grass prairie of the Midwest & short-grass areas of

western Plainswestern Plains

Winters very cold, summers hot and dryWinters very cold, summers hot and dry Fertile soil due to the upper portion of the grass dies off Fertile soil due to the upper portion of the grass dies off

each yeareach year Corn Belt/ wheatCorn Belt/ wheat Prairie dogs, jackrabbits, squirrels, coyotes, wolves, Prairie dogs, jackrabbits, squirrels, coyotes, wolves,

bobcatsbobcats

Grassland Biome:Grassland Biome:TundraTundraGrassland Biome:Grassland Biome:TundraTundra AKA: Polar grasslandsAKA: Polar grasslands Treeless plains, cold all year, little Treeless plains, cold all year, little

precipitation(snow)precipitation(snow) Plants are well adapted to the cold, waxyPlants are well adapted to the cold, waxy Mosses, lichens, short shrubsMosses, lichens, short shrubs Hares, squirrels, and lemmings(thick fur)Hares, squirrels, and lemmings(thick fur)

Desert Desert Desert Desert An area that typically gets less than 10 inches of An area that typically gets less than 10 inches of

rain each year ( can be hot or cold)rain each year ( can be hot or cold) Tropical: high temps all year low precipitation ex Tropical: high temps all year low precipitation ex

southern Saharasouthern Sahara Sand dunes rock formationsSand dunes rock formations

Temperate:hot summers/cool winters, more Temperate:hot summers/cool winters, more annual rain ex:Mohaveannual rain ex:Mohave

Cold:cold winters/hot summers ex: Gobi desert of Cold:cold winters/hot summers ex: Gobi desert of China & AntarcticaChina & Antarctica

Desert PlantsDesert PlantsDesert PlantsDesert Plants Special adaptations to extreme Special adaptations to extreme

environmentenvironment Store waterStore water Succulents have thick, wax coated leaves that Succulents have thick, wax coated leaves that

cut down on moisture losscut down on moisture loss Extensive root systemsExtensive root systems

Animals burrow underground to escape the Animals burrow underground to escape the heatheat

ChaparralChaparralChaparralChaparral Mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summersMild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers

Southern California, around the Mediterranean Southern California, around the Mediterranean SeaSea

Evergreens with hard leathery leavesEvergreens with hard leathery leaves Prone to wildfires in late summer and fallProne to wildfires in late summer and fall

Many seeds need fires to open & sprout seedsMany seeds need fires to open & sprout seeds

Highland: MountainsHighland: MountainsHighland: MountainsHighland: Mountains

Temperature drops with elevationTemperature drops with elevation Depending on windward, precipitation Depending on windward, precipitation

changeschanges

Eastern side drierEastern side drier

Ice capsIce capsIce capsIce caps

Polar areas that are always cold & where Polar areas that are always cold & where snow builds up from year to year into snow builds up from year to year into enormous ice sheets that cover the land enormous ice sheets that cover the land surfacesurface

Antarctica and the interior of GreenlandAntarctica and the interior of Greenland

Aquatic Biomes:Aquatic Biomes:FreshwaterFreshwaterAquatic Biomes:Aquatic Biomes:FreshwaterFreshwater Streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and Streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and

wetlands that occur inlandwetlands that occur inland

Less conc. of saltLess conc. of salt Pa has all of these Pa has all of these

41% of the world’s fish species live in them41% of the world’s fish species live in them

Aquatic biome:Aquatic biome:MarineMarineAquatic biome:Aquatic biome:MarineMarine Saltwater, the oceans, cover most of the Saltwater, the oceans, cover most of the

EarthEarth Estuaries & coastal salt marshes- breeding Estuaries & coastal salt marshes- breeding

ground for many aquatic animals & ground for many aquatic animals & waterfowlwaterfowl

Pa does not have an ocean coastline, but Pa does not have an ocean coastline, but the southeastern corner borders Delaware the southeastern corner borders Delaware near the Delaware Baynear the Delaware Bay

Ecosystem ReviewEcosystem Review

Hierarchy of ecosystemsHierarchy of ecosystemsHierarchy of ecosystemsHierarchy of ecosystems

1.1. OrganismOrganism: any form of life: any form of life2.2. SpeciesSpecies: a group of organisms alike in several : a group of organisms alike in several

ways that can breedways that can breed3.3. PopulationPopulation: a group of individuals of the same : a group of individuals of the same

species in a given areaspecies in a given area4.4. CommunityCommunity: populations of living organisms that : populations of living organisms that

interact with one another in an ecosysteminteract with one another in an ecosystem5.5. EcosystemEcosystem: living & nonliving interacting: living & nonliving interacting

Habitat Habitat Habitat Habitat

The place where a particular species lives The place where a particular species lives and from which it obtains what it needs for and from which it obtains what it needs for survivalsurvival

Biotic Factors in an ecosystemBiotic Factors in an ecosystemBiotic Factors in an ecosystemBiotic Factors in an ecosystem

All living things All living things Ex: plants, animals, fungi, & microorganisms Ex: plants, animals, fungi, & microorganisms

These biotic factors interact with one These biotic factors interact with one another (predator-prey relationships)another (predator-prey relationships)

Abiotic factors in an ecosystemAbiotic factors in an ecosystemAbiotic factors in an ecosystemAbiotic factors in an ecosystem

Nonliving physical and chemical parts of Nonliving physical and chemical parts of an ecosysteman ecosystem

Although they are nonliving they still Although they are nonliving they still greatly influence the biotic factorsgreatly influence the biotic factors

ProducersProducers Consumer Consumer ProducersProducers Consumer Consumer Uses elements from Uses elements from

the environment to the environment to make its own foodmake its own food Convert solar energy Convert solar energy

to chemical energy and to chemical energy and store it in their cellsstore it in their cells

An organism gets its An organism gets its energy and nutrients energy and nutrients by feeding on other by feeding on other organismsorganisms

Different consumers: Herbivore, Different consumers: Herbivore, carnivore, omnivorecarnivore, omnivoreDifferent consumers: Herbivore, Different consumers: Herbivore, carnivore, omnivorecarnivore, omnivore

Primary consumerPrimary consumer: feed on : feed on plants(herbivores)plants(herbivores)

Secondary consumerSecondary consumer: feeds on primary : feeds on primary consumers (carnivore/omnivore)consumers (carnivore/omnivore)

Tertiary consumerTertiary consumer: feeds on primary & : feeds on primary & secondary consumerssecondary consumers

Scavengers & DecomposersScavengers & DecomposersScavengers & DecomposersScavengers & Decomposers ScavengerScavenger: feeds on dead organisms: feeds on dead organisms

DecomposersDecomposers: usually a type of bacteria or : usually a type of bacteria or fungus that breaks down dead organisms and fungus that breaks down dead organisms and wasteswastes

These are both important because they These are both important because they breakdown wastes in the environmentbreakdown wastes in the environment

Trophic levelsTrophic levelsTrophic levelsTrophic levels

Contains all organisms in a feeding level Contains all organisms in a feeding level that are the same number of steps away that are the same number of steps away from the sunfrom the sun

As you move up from one trophic level to As you move up from one trophic level to another in an ecosystem, there is a 90% another in an ecosystem, there is a 90% loss of energy(as heat)loss of energy(as heat)

Exponential growthExponential growthExponential growthExponential growth A line graph that A line graph that

shows exponential shows exponential growth forms a J-growth forms a J-shaped curveshaped curve

This cannot sustain This cannot sustain itself indefinitelyitself indefinitely

Carrying capacityCarrying capacityCarrying capacityCarrying capacity Population reaches its Population reaches its

carrying capacity carrying capacity forming a S-shaped forming a S-shaped curvecurve

Grows slowly at first Grows slowly at first then increases more then increases more & more quickly & more quickly depending on limiting depending on limiting factorsfactors

Habitat & nichesHabitat & nichesHabitat & nichesHabitat & niches HabitatHabitat is an area where an organism lives is an area where an organism lives

A forest ecosystem may include tree branches, rotting A forest ecosystem may include tree branches, rotting logs, soil, holes in the tree trunks, or spaces under a logs, soil, holes in the tree trunks, or spaces under a rockrock

NicheNiche is the role an organism plays within an is the role an organism plays within an ecosystemecosystem Includes the food an organism eats and how it obtains Includes the food an organism eats and how it obtains

its foodits food Ex predator/prey diurnal/nocturnal Ex predator/prey diurnal/nocturnal