2. Ecology & Abiotic Factors

3. Ecosystems Consist of living things, called organisms, and the physical place they live 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors Examples: coral reefs, woodlands, ponds 4

4. Abiotic Factors Nonliving parts of an ecosystem 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors Examples: soil, water, light energy from the Sun 3

5. Abiotic Factors (cont.) Sun: Most important abiotic factor for life on Earth Temperature: Influenced by sun. Affects plant growth. Climate: The pattern of weather that occurs in an area over many years. Also influenced by sun. 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors 2

6. Abiotic Factors (cont.) Water: Recycled through water cycle. Soil: Contains different minerals that affect its chemistry. Air: Determines the organisms that will live in a particular ecosystem. Some organisms, like humans, take oxygen from the air and release carbon dioxide; while plants, do the opposite. (Page 516) 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors 1

7. Biotic Factors

8. Living parts of an ecosystem A close relationship between 2 organisms is called symbiosis. A species is a group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can reproduce among themselves producing fertile offspring. 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors 2

9. Population Number of individuals of one species that occupy the same area 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors Community: all the populations of species that occupy an area (Page 523) 1

10. Limiting Factors

11. An environmental factor that limits how large a population can grow 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors Populations expand until the biotic or abiotic factors become limiting. The largest population that an environment can support is called the carrying capacity. 4

12. Food Needed for energy The more plants, the more organisms an ecosystem can support Temperature, type of soil, and amount of sunlight and water affect plant growth. 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors 3

13. Water All living things need water. An adaptation is any physical or behavioral characteristic that allows an organism to be better suited to the environment. 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors 2

14. Shelter and Space Need shelter for protection from both abiotic and biotic factors Need space in which to live and grow (page 524) 12.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors 1

15. Biomes

16. Biome Six of types on Earth… A zone of major ecological communities on Earth 12.2 Organisms and Ecosystems 3

17. Biome Tundra: Near north and south poles. Ground may stay frozen all year. Limited vegetation. Taiga: Largest biome on Earth. Cold, forest region. Dominated by evergreen trees. Rain Forest: Abundant rainfall. Lush, green plants. Tropical rain forests are near the equator, Temperate rainforests are found near coasts. 12.2 Organisms and Ecosystems 2

18. Biomes in California Deciduous Forest: Have 4 distinct seasons. Trees lose their leaves. Abundant rain. Desert: Very little rainfall. Can be hot or cold. Life is adapted to conserve water. Grasslands: Have a dry season that prevents a forest from growing. Fires and droughts common. Also called savannah’s and prairies. (page 532) 12.2 Organisms and Ecosystems 1

19. Biome (cont.) 12.2 Organisms and Ecosystems

20. Habitats

21. Habitat Place an organism lives 12.2 Organisms and Ecosystems Each species has its own niche, or role, in the environment—how it obtains food and shelter, cares for its young, and avoids danger. Different species fill similar niches in different ecosystems. 2

22. Habitat (page 536.) 12.2 Organisms and Ecosystems South American HabitatsAustralian Habitats 1