1. Chapter 4 Organization of Life Ecosystems
OUR PLANET
Chapter 4 Organization of Life Ecosystems

2. Levels of Organization
organism
population
community
ecosystem
biome
biosphere

3. Life On Earth
Biosphere – The region on Earth where all living things are found; From the highest mountain to the ocean floor
The biosphere is divided into many biomes which are made up of many individual…
Ecosystems – All of the living and non-living elements in an area
Abiotic Factors – The non-living elements; Sunlight, soil & water
Biotic Factors – The living elements from bacteria to blue whales

4. Exploring The Ecosystem
Living things within an ecosystem can be grouped into a…
Community – A group of various species that interact Ex: Grass, elephants & wildebeests
Within that community are many…
Populations – A group of the same species living in a specific area Ex: A population of wildebeests
And a population is made of many…
Organisms – An individual living thing Ex: Bob the Wildebeest
Habitat – An area where an organism lives

6. The Components of an Ecosystem
In order to survive, ecosystems need certain basic components:
energy,
mineral nutrients,
water,
oxygen and
living organisms.
Most energy in an ecosystem comes from the sun

7. The Importance of Abiotic Factors
Not every organism can live everywhere on Earth
Abiotic factors determine which organisms can survive where:
Temperature – effect on body temperature
Water – too much/not enough water
Light – availability for photosynthetic organisms
Wind – amplifies effects of temperature
Rocks/Soil – which organisms can live with/on them, based on pH and mineral composition
Periodic Disturbances – catastrophes, such as tornadoes, fires, tsunamis, etc.

8. What word would a scientist use to describe this area? An Ecosystem
List the Abiotic Factors
Sunlight
Water
Soil
Temperature
List the Biotic Factors
Bird
Bugs
Frog
Fish
Plants

9. What term describes all of these interacting species? A Community
This lake would be considered part of the blue jay’s…
Habitat
What term describes all of the lily pads in this image?
A population
What term describes the frog sitting by the lake?
An organism

10. What is a species?
Defined as organisms that can interbreed with one another, and produce fertile offspring

11. Why aren’t there any mommy & daddy ligers?
What Is A Species?
Species – A group of organisms that can mate to produce fertile offspring, such as the Canis lupus familiaris, aka…
Dogs! How can these very different animals still belong to the same species?
Because they make puppies that continue to reproduce.
Why aren’t there any mommy & daddy ligers?

12. When two organisms of different species interbreed, the offspring is called a HYBRID
Is offspring fertile?
Example:  ligers and mules

13. What have you learned in this unit?
Let’s Review…
What have you learned in this unit?
1. Describe three extreme regions of the biosphere.
2. Where can an ecosystem be found in Barnegat?
3. Provide some abiotic factors that are common to the north pole.
4. Compare the biotic & abiotic factors of a desert & marsh.