1 2 ECOSYSTEMS Ecosystems contain abiotic and biotic
1. 2 - ECOSYSTEMS
Ecosystems: contain abiotic and biotic components that interact �Biomes contain many different kinds of ecosystems such as a forest, marsh or pond. Habitat: a place where an organism lives �Part of an ecosystem
ABIOTIC INTERACTIONS IN ECOSYSTEMS �Abiotic components are a vital part of life Water plants produce oxygen Cells contain 50 -90% water �Nutrients: required for plant and animal growth Includes nitrogen and phosphorus �Photosynthesis: chemical reaction that converts solar energy into chemical energy
SOIL �Provides nutrients and support to plants and small organisms �Soil organisms maintain soil structure Earthworms dig tunnels, allowing easy access for water and nutrients Bacteria can break down pollutants
Biotic Components of an Ecosystem 1. Species: group of closely related organisms that can reproduce with one another. 2. Population: all members of a species within an ecosystem 3. Community: refers to all populations of different species that exist in an ecosystem. Ecological Hierarchy: ordered from smallest to largest �Organism (or individual) population community ecosystem
Symbiotic Relationships Symbiosis: refers to the interaction between members of two different species that live together in close association. 3 Types of symbiotic relationships: 1. Commensalism 2. Mutualism 3. Parasitism
COMMENSALISM �where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed �“Host” species often provides shelter or transportation for the other Crimson sea anemone 2. Whales and barnacles 3. Spanish moss 1.
Mutualism �Symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit May even rely on each other for survival
Parasitism �Symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is harmed! Parasites usually smaller/more numerous May live in or on a host
Niches �The special role of an organism How they contribute/fit into their ecosystem
COMPETITION �A harmful interaction between 2 or more organisms when they compete for the same resource �Can limit the size of a population �Some organisms have features that make them fierce competitors Spotted knapweed
PREDATION �Predator-prey interactions where one organism (predator) eats all or part of another organism (prey) �Predatory animals have adaptations to make them more efficient hunters Highly developed senses Fangs �Prey animals have adaptations to help them survive Hard shells Camouflage Mimicry
BIODIVERSITY IN ECOSYSTEMS �Biodiversity (a large variety of organisms) indicates the health of the ecosystem �Habitat loss results in decreased biodiversity �Many efforts are now made to lessen this impact in order to maintain biodiversity
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