Begin Chapter 4 & 5 Ecosystems- Everything is connected- remember an ecosystem is all the living and non living and how they interact Examples: of special ecosystems – Forestsoceansrainforest – Saltmarshswampstide pool – Back yardcaveflood plain

Vocabulary Organism- Living things Species- A group of organisms that are genetically able to reproduce. Have common traits and characteristics. Populations- Members of a species that all live in the same place and are able to interact. Communities- a group of different species all living in the same space. ONLY BIOTIC Habitat- Place the organism lives includes food, water, shelter and space. Environment-The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Energy Flow In A System Energy flow in a system begins with the sun Photosynthesis is the process where by a plant takes radiant energy from the sun and uses it to chemically make “food” or sugar

Cellular Respiration The opposite of photosynthesis Cells release stored energy in food by breaking chemical bonds and releasing that stored energy from the sun.

This energy is stored in food and begins the food chain Primary Producers- organisms that trap energy from the sun: plants, algae and bacteria Consumer- gets Energy by eating other producers: mice, deer, birds, ants, humans etc. – Can have many level of consumers Primary consumer-eats primary producer Secondary consumer – eats primary consumer Tertiary consumer –eats secondary etc.

More Food Web Terminology Decomposer-organism that breaks down dead organisms in an ecosystem and returns nutrients to the soil, water and air.

And More Herbivore- Eats producers – Example: Deer, birds, grasshopper, moose Carnivore- Eats other other consumer – Coyote, bobcat, owl, hawks, snakes, spiders, wolf, Omnivores – Eats both producers and consumers – Bears, rats, raccoons, humans

Simple food chain

Forest Ecosystem

Food Webs and Trophic Level Trophic level- Each step through which energy is transferred in a food chain. Each time an organism consumes another energy exits the system as heat during cellular respiration, so less energy is available at the next level. Only 10% of what the organism below ate is available at the next level.

Energy Pyramid

Food Web Activity In groups of 3 or 4, you will be creating a food web of various organisms in New Hampshire. What you need: – 1 copy of the animal pictures per group – 1 large piece of paper – Glue, glue stick, or tape – Marker

BIOLOGICAL MAGNIFICATION Biological magnification-Process by which toxic chemicals enter into a system and are taken up by organisms. At Each trophic level the chemicals are passed along in greater concentrations due to the fact that upper trophic levels eat more organisms to gain energy Top feeders have higher levels of heavy metals and pesticides. EXAMPLE: TUNA FISH AND SWORD FISH

Mercury in Our Environment Mercury bio accumulates in the environment Number one source is burning coal – Power plants – Industry Once incinerated in lands in the water and becomes concentrated. – Power plants – Industry

Other sources include  Mining  Agriculture  Urban

National Mortality Effects from Existing Power plants

How it Becomes Concentrated

Top Trophic Level Consumers