Latin and Greek Root Words a = without auto = self bio = life carni = flesh chemo = chemical de = away from eco = house herb = plant hetero = other -ology = study of omni = all photo = light phyte = plant -troph = feeder -vore = one who eats zoa = animal

Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

What is ecology? Ecology – study of the interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment

Levels of Organization Studied in Ecology species → populations → communities → ecosystems → biomes → biosphere

species – group of organisms able to reproduce fertile offspring

populations – belong to the same species and live in the same area

communities – many populations living in the same area and interact (food, shelter)

Ecosystem – community and its physical environment Ecosystem – community and its physical environment ex: forest, prairie, coral reef

biome – group of ecosystems recognized by their climate and vegetation ex: tropical rain forest, grasslands, desert

biosphere – combined portions of the planet in which all of life exists includes land, water, and air

Organization of Life Biosphere Ecosystems Communities Populations Organisms

Ecosystems

Ecosystems Ecosystems are influenced by both biological and physical factors. These factors determine the survival and growth of an organism and the productivity of an ecosystem

2 Parts of an Environment All things that affect living things 1. Biotic factors - biological or living - includes all organisms ex: plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and, protists

2. Abiotic factors physical or nonliving climate (temp., precipitation, humidity), wind, nutrient availability, soil type, sunlight

List the biotic and abiotic factors.

Characteristic of Life All living things must obtain and use energy.

Energy Flow Energy flow through an ecosystem determines the systems capacity to sustain life. Sunlight is the main energy source for life Some organisms rely on the energy stored in inorganic chemical compounds.

The Energy Connection 1. producers = autotrophs Organisms get energy as either: 1. producers = autotrophs 2. consumers = heterotrophs 3. decomposers – natures recyclers

Producers Autotrophs Feeder Self capture energy from sunlight or inorganic chemicals and use that energy to store food Ex: plants, algae, some bacteria Feeder Self

Processes – Photosynthesis Chemosynthesis – use chemical energy found in the chemical bonds of inorganic molecules to produce carbohydrates

Consumers Heterotrophs can only get their energy from the energy trapped by the autotrophs. They rely on autotrophs for their food and energy. Hetero - other Troph = feeder

Types of Heterotrophs herbivores carnivores omnivores detritivores decomposers

herbivores – eat plants, cows and deer

carnivores – eat animals, snakes and owls

omnivores – eat both plants and animals, humans and bears

detritivores feed on dead organic matter (detritus) earthworms and crabs

decomposers – break down organic matter and recycle the elements bacteria and fungi

Anything you eat can be traced back to a PRODUCER which can be traced back to the SUN!

What types of interactions are studied in the science of ecology? List the levels of ecological organization from the individual to biosphere. What is an ecosystem? What determines an ecosystems capacity to sustain life? What is the source of all energy on Earth? Name 2 ways autotrophs can get their energy. How do heterotrophs get their energy? What is detritus? Give an example of a decomposer. Name the type of heterotroph: a. That are recyclers b. That eat plants c. That feed on flesh d. That feed on dead organic matter e. That feed on both plants and animals