Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem copyright cmassengale

Nearly all of Earth’s energy begins with the sun! Sunlight is necessary for organisms to produce their own energy. copyright cmassengale

copyright cmassengale Organisms that make their own energy (glucose) during photosynthesis are called PRODUCERS. Plants are producers copyright cmassengale

Photosynthesis The process by which plants (producers) make food is called "photosynthesis". "photo" = light "synthesis" = putting together This happens to EVERY plant, and to some bacteria and algae, too.  Without photosynthesis, plants wouldn't exist

What do plants need for photosynthesis to occur? ENERGY is stored in glucose BrainPoP Photosynthesis

Respiration A process in which plants, animals, and humans take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Plants- Take in oxygen through the stoma and use it to get the energy they need to burn food. Humans and animals- Take in oxygen to help them burn digested food and get energy.

copyright cmassengale CELLULAR RESPIRATION Chemical reaction that converts glucose and oxygen into usable energy that allows organisms to perform the necessary life processes. 6O2 + C6H12O6   6H2O + 6CO2 + energy It’s a cycle! The O2—CO2 cycle or photosynthesis/ respiration cycle. Video copyright cmassengale

Interactions Within Ecosystems

Ecology—the scientific study of interactions between different organisms their environment

An ecologist would study organisms that live in an ecosystem An ecologist would study organisms that live in an ecosystem. Ecosystems are a network of living and non-living things that interact. The size of the ecosystem depends on the shared similarities between living and non-living things—can be small or very large.

Biotic—living factors that influence an ecosystem Abiotic—non-living factors that influence an ecosystem

Who makes up an ecosystem? Organisms within an ecosystem are classified into: Individuals—singular organisms Populations—all the individuals that belong to one species in a habitat Communities—all the combined populations in a habitat

Ecological Niche – an organism’s role in an ecosystem Ecological Niche – an organism’s role in an ecosystem. This includes its: place in the food web, habitat (home), breeding area, etc. Within ecosystems, each organism has its own specific niche. No two species fulfill exactly the same role.

Example: The ecological niche of a sunflower growing in a backyard includes: absorbing light, water and nutrients (for photosynthesis), providing shelter and food for other organisms (e.g. bees, ants, etc.), and giving off oxygen into the atmosphere.

If a new, exotic species is introduced into an ecosystem, it will have to compete with any species that is already fulfilling the same niche the new species would. Eventually, one of the two species will be out-competed and cannot survive in the ecosystem. During this process, the entire ecosystem will be disrupted.

Limiting Factors are… Environmental conditions that may prevent populations from reaching their biotic potential. This means that the ecosystem could sustain more members if the limiting factor was not there. Limiting factors may be biotic or abiotic

Limiting Factors cont… ABIOTIC FACTORS too much or too little light temperature too cold or too warm harmful chemicals in the environment BIOTIC FACTORS insufficient food excessive predators diseases or parasites diminished ability to compete with other species

Terrestrial Ecosystems Terrestrial ecosystems are limited by four major abiotic factors: Soil Available Water Temperature Sunlight

Carrying Capacity Is the maximum number of individuals of a single species that can be supported in an ecosystem at a particular time. This is determined by the availability of food, presence of predators, disease and other resources. If a population exceeds the carrying capacity, there will be a decline in number until the population re-stabilizes.

Aquatic Ecosystems These ecosystems are affected by three major abiotic factors: chemical environment (level of dissolved oxygen) light levels (this is the most important abiotic factor) Water temperature

Relationships within an Ecosystem

Consumers eat producers to get energy… Organisms that cannot make their own energy are called CONSUMERS. Consumers eat producers to get energy… copyright cmassengale

Consumers that eat other dead consumers are called scavengers copyright cmassengale

All dead and decaying matter at each level is broken down by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. The recycling of raw materials and nutrients back into the soil after decomposition—a process call biodegradation, is vital to all ecosystems.

copyright cmassengale The transfer of energy from the sun to producer to primary consumer then to higher order consumers can be shown in a FOOD CHAIN. Brainpop Food Chains copyright cmassengale

copyright cmassengale Food Webs: Are interconnected food chains They show the feeding relationships in an ecosystem copyright cmassengale

Identify the Producers, Consumers, & Decomposers: Count the Food Chains! copyright cmassengale