What Factors Shape an Ecosystem?

1-Habitat Habitat – Where the organism lives. –Ex. Bird lives in the nest of a tree.

2- Niche The full range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives and the way in which it uses those conditions. NICHE= the role of the organism in the ecosystem In order for organisms to survive in their habitats, each organism must have their niche. A niche is SPECIFIC for each individual species An organisms niche would include –its place in the food web, –types of food it eats, –how it obtains its food, –temperature in which it lives in, –physical conditions required for survival.

An example of a niche description…bullfrogs Catches insects, worms, spiders, small fish, it is prey to herons, raccoons, and snakes. Bullfrogs physical conditions include spending part of their lives in water. It’s body temperature varies with the surrounding air and water. In the winter bull frogs burrow into the mud of ponds or stream bottoms to hibernate. Female bullfrogs lay their eggs in water during warmer months of the year. Young frogs are called tadpoles

What can happen if niches one organism’s niche is taken over? Explain in words what these two graphs are trying to tell you…..

Graphs Main Points A- When an organism does not have a specialized niche, it may occupy some or all parts of another organisms niche (role). Competition for resources will result. B- When organisms have a specific niche (separate niches) in an ecosystem, they are specialized in that role and are less likely to have another organism occupy their niche.

The Competitive Exclusion Principle The ecological rule that states that no two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time. There may be some overlap within the niche range. This will lead to an increase in competition.

Which bird has the largest feeding range in the tree? The Bay-breasted warbler is competing with which other warbler? Which bird has the most competition? Specific niches for feeding have decreased the amount of ____________ each bird must come in contact with.

3- Keystone Species One biotic factor that greatly influences an areas biodiversity and has a large effect on an ecosystem

4- Biodiversity The variety of biotic factors that are in an ecosystem Amount of biodiversity depends on the abiotic factors influencing the ecosystem –Ex: temperature, moisture, water quality