Introduction to EcosystemsIntroduction to Ecosystems

Part 1Part 1

Ecology Ecology

Eco = house or where Eco = house or where someone lives. someone lives.

Logy = studyLogy = study Study of the Study of the

interaction between interaction between organisms and their organisms and their environmentenvironment

EcosystemEcosystem

Self sustaining Self sustaining collection of collection of organisms organisms

Includes all life forms Includes all life forms in a given area and in a given area and their environmenttheir environment

BiosphereBiosphere

A collection of ecosystemsA collection of ecosystems

PopulationPopulation

A group of organisms of the same species A group of organisms of the same species that live together that live together ((Bufo americanus Bufo americanus tadpoles)tadpoles)

OrganismOrganism

A living creature (A living creature (Bufo americanusBufo americanus))Refers to a single individualRefers to a single individual

CommunityCommunity

Groups of PopulationsGroups of PopulationsDifferent species living togetherDifferent species living together

What is in your ecosystem?What is in your ecosystem?

Biotic FactorsBiotic FactorsAnything living or comes from a living thingAnything living or comes from a living thingEx: Animals, Plants, dead organisms, wasteEx: Animals, Plants, dead organisms, waste

Abiotic FactorsAbiotic FactorsAnything nonlivingAnything nonlivingEx: Rocks, Oxygen, Water, Sunlight, Ex: Rocks, Oxygen, Water, Sunlight,

Temperature, Rainfall, pHTemperature, Rainfall, pH

Healthy ecosystemsHealthy ecosystemsDiversityDiversity

Measure of the number of species living thereMeasure of the number of species living thereMore diverse = More Stable the environmentMore diverse = More Stable the environmentEvery animal has a specific role (Niche)Every animal has a specific role (Niche)

Unhealthy EcosystemsUnhealthy Ecosystems

Little or no diversityLittle or no diversityMonospecific EnvironmentMonospecific EnvironmentEcosystem is more susceptible to diseasesEcosystem is more susceptible to diseasesNo organisms left to use or appreciateNo organisms left to use or appreciate