Interactions within Ecosystems What is an Ecosystem A

Interactions within Ecosystems

What is an Ecosystem? • A unit that comprises organisms and their physical environment. • Ecology- the study of how organisms interact with their environment and with other organisms. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

What is an Ecosystem? • Places where organisms live are called habitats. • Everything that is needed for an organism to survive would be found in a habitat. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

What are the Factors that can affect an ecosystem? Biotic Factors Abiotics Factors- • Biotic Factors –Living things that are found in an environment. Ex. Animals How? -How do animals affect each other? -Feed each other -Compete with each other -Help each other Grade 7 Science • Non-living things that • affect organisms. Ex. Water (salty/fresh), rocks, sunlight, , temperature, soil (compound/ minerals) Interactions Within Ecosystems

• Abiotic Factors: – 1. Light and light intensity – All plants need light to survive. – Some plants need more light than others. – Animals can survive in dark and light areas. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

– 2. Temperature • All animals and plants have a certain temperature that they need to survive. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

3. Soil • Plants get nutrients from the soil. • Plants grow roots into soil. • Animals form tunnels for air and water to move through. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

4. Air and Wind • Windy areas can affect plant growth since these areas tend to be dry. • Plants usually grow shorter than normal. • Animals that fly can also be affected by the wind. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

5. Water • All organisms need water to survive. • Some organisms can survive with smaller amounts of water. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Class Work: Pages 11 -13. • Describe how temperature, light and soil affect an ecosystem. (Copy & Answer in your ISN) • Be ready to share. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Activity 1. Name the Ecosystem: 2. Identify 3 Biotic and 3 Abiotic factors that are part of this ecosystem. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Laboratory Work 1. • How much can temperature vary in one place? Procedure: 1. Choose different locations outside where you can measure the temperature. 2. Record the temperature for 2 minutes. 3. Record your data in your ISN. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Data Format: Location: Temperature: 1. 2. 3. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Analysis (Copy in your ISN) • Which location was the warmest, which was the coolest? • Describe what factors may have affected the temperature at each location. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

LEVELS OF ORGANIZATION: 1. BIOSPHERE-The part of Earth where life exists. 2. BIOME-A large region with a similar climate, and specific plant and animal communities based on that climate 3. ECOSYSTEM 4. COMMUNITY-All of the living things (biotic factors) in an area. 5. POPULATION-A group of individuals of the same species that live together. 6. ORGANISM-A single living thing. Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems

Activity: Explain how is this all tied together? (ISN) Grade 7 Science Interactions Within Ecosystems