What is an Ecosystem? A group of interdependent organisms. The members of the group depend on each other for their survival.
An ecosystem must always stay in balance. (homeostasis) But why? An ecosystem is like a chain, if a link is missing the chain no longer functions. Can anyone think of any examples?
Biomes The community in which an ecosystem exists is called a biome. Decided by location. o Examples? o Oceans o Forests o Plains o Tundra o Deserts o Lakes (freshwater)
Within an ecosystem, we have a food chain. Energy cycle. What does all life on Earth start with?
The Sun
Plant life, algae (primary consumers) Plant life needs air, water and Sunlight to survive. (Non-living)
Secondary Consumers (herbivores)(prey)
Carnivores (Predator, Prey)
Carnivores (predator, sometimes prey to other predators)
Death
Decomposers
Decomposer break down organic matter and release the energy back into to the soil. Plants grow from the soil, starting the process over again.
What can help prey (and predators) from being spotted? Camouflage – the ability to blend in to your surroundings. Examples? -Lion in the safari -polar bear in the artic -how about a penguin in Antarctica? -fish
The Peppered moth
Industrial Revolution
Human life has interfered greatly in the ecosystem. Can anyone think of any other examples?
Keywords Living Non-Living Primary consumers Sunlight Secondary consumers Air Predators Water Prey Soil Herbivores Energy Carnivores Omnivores
Review How do living things depend on nonliving things to survive in an ecosystem? How do living things interact with other living things in the same ecosystem? How can the disappearance of one species affect other species in an ecosystem? Why are decomposers important in an ecosystem? How can living things like humans change their environment?