Ecology

What is ecology? Ecology is the scientific study of how organisms interact with their environment and with all of the other organisms that live in that environment.

What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem is a particular environment and all the living things that are supported by it. Examples- 1. Pond 2. Desert 3. Swamp

Biotic factors interact with an ecosystem The living parts of an ecosystem are called the biotic factors.

Examples of Interactions by biotic factors. The types of plants found in an area will determine the types of animals that can live there. Plants are a food source. 2. A beaver builds a dam that changes the flow of a river. 3. Corals form giant reefs that provide food and shelter for marine organisms.

Abiotic factors affect ecosystems Abiotic factors include both the physical and chemical parts of an ecosystem. Physical factors include: Temperature Amount of sunlight Chemical factors include: Minerals in the soil Salt in the water

Temperature Tropical rain forest has warm temperature and a wide variety of plants.

Light Some plants grow in harsh sunlight, some require almost none. Aquatic plants and animals that require little sunlight can live on the ocean floor, while others need a shallow water space for more light.

Soil Soils that have a lot of decay can hold water well and will allow air to reach the plant roots. Sandy soils do not hold water well.

Water The types and number of living things in a land ecosystem will always be related to the amount of fresh water available.

All ecosystems need certain materials. These needed materials cycle around in an ecosystem.

Water cycles through ecosystems

Carbon cycles through ecosystems

Nitrogen cycles through ecosystems

Living things capture and release energy Producers- organisms that capture energy and store it in food as chemical energy. Producers allow energy to enter the ecosystem by way of photosynthesis.

Living things capture and release energy Consumers- organisms that cannot produce their own food and must get their food from other sources. Consumers get their energy by eating or consuming other organisms.

Living things capture and release energy Decomposers- organisms that break down dead plant and animal matter into simpler compounds. Decomposers are the clean-up crew for the ecosystem.

Models help explain feeding relationships A food chain describes the feeding relationship between a producer, and a single chain of consumers in an ecosystem.

Models help explain feeding relationships A food web is a model of the feeding relationship between many different consumers and producers in an ecosystem.

Available energy decreases as it moves through an ecosystem