Ecology Unit 1: Biology

Life on Earth Habitat – the place where an organism lives Terrestrial habitats are found on land Aquatic habitats are found in water

Earth`s Spheres: The Atmosphere Is the thin layer of gases that surrounds Earth Made up of water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide Prevents Earth from getting too warm or too cold Also blocks some of the sun`s radiation which can harm organisms

Lithosphere Is the rocky outer shell of the Earth Mountains, ocean floors and the rest of the Earth`s landscape are part of the lithosphere

Hydrosphere Is the water on, above, and below the Earth`s surface It includes oceans, lakes, ice, clouds, and groundwater.

Biosphere All the places on Earth where living things can exist. These places are in the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere

Introducing Ecosystems Ecology comes the Greek words Oikos – The place where one lives Logos – the study of Ecosystem – all the living organisms in an area and their non-living environment

Living and Non-Living Biotic factors – living organisms in an ecosystem Can you think of some things around you that is living?

Biotic Examples Deer Trees Fish Insects Humans Roses Dogs Fungi Etc.

Abiotic factors – the non-living features of an ecosystem Can you think of some things around you that is non-living?

Abiotic Examples Weather Water Rocks Oxygen Light Soil Temperature

Populations and Communities Population – all the members of the same species that live in the same ecosystem Community – all the living organisms, from all the populations, that live in the same ecosystem

Classwork/Homework Complete Ecology Worksheet