1. Unit 3 – Ecology

2. Ecology – The study of the interactions of the living and non-living world.

3. Community vs. ecosystem A community is a group of many different organisms living together. An Ecosystem is the interaction of a community with their environment.

4. Ecosystems Biotic factors – the living part of the ecosystem. Geese Plankton People Trees Abiotic factors – the non living parts of the ecosystem. Sand Buildings Pollutants Water

5. Energy in Ecosystems Energy from the Sun is the major source for all living things. The process of photosynthesis traps it so it can be used by living organisms.

6. Analyzing Ecosystems Food chains can be represented in the shape of a pyramid showing: Energy Biomass Numbers Trophic levels indicate the position an organisms occupies in a food chain.

8. Food Chain Energy flow can be represented by a food chain. Arrows show the direction the energy is flowing. Algae – producer (autotroph) Zooplankton –primary consumer (herbivore) Small fish – secondary consumer (carnivore) Shark – tertiary consumer (carnivore)

9. Energy Pyramid Energy availability at each trophic level decreases. About 10% of the total energy is transferred to each level. This is the 10% Rule 10,000 calories 1000 cal 100 cal 10 cal

11. Food Webs –. Many food chains combined together Indicates most relationships between organisms.

12. Numbers pyramids Total number of species present in an ecosystem. A balanced ecosystem will contain more producers than consumers.

13. Biomass Pyramid Matter is transferred from producers to consumers and recycled by decomposers which helps build biomass. (living matter)

14. The Role of Decomposers Natures recyclers Recycle dead organic matter 2 types of decomposers –based on how energy is obtained. 1. Detritivore 2. Saprophytes

15. detritivore Organisms that obtain energy from dead organisms. Scavengers – eat the dead organisms. (vultures, crows, flies, termites, earwigs)

16. Saprophyte Breaks down organic matter on cellular level. Bacteria and fungi

17. Which organism should be the most abundant? Least abundant? Most energy? Most Biomass?

18. Invasive species Non-native species can outcompete and devastate natural ecosystems. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGWiaqGjQaU&feature=related http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/invasives/