Levels of Organization & Energy Flow

I.The Biosphere Biosphere 2 Biosphere 2 I.The Biosphere Biosphere 2 Biosphere 2 Oikos = house this is the root word for ecology…so the living world is like a house with the organisms playing different roles. Oikos = house this is the root word for ecology…so the living world is like a house with the organisms playing different roles.

Define ecology: study of the interactions between an organism and their environment. Define ecology: study of the interactions between an organism and their environment.

Biosphere Biome Ecosystem Community Population Largest level of organization is the Biosphere Smallest level of organization is the individual Species Individual

Biosphere: the thin zone of the earth that supports all life. Biomes: area with the same climate and similar dominant communities Biosphere: the thin zone of the earth that supports all life. Biomes: area with the same climate and similar dominant communities made up of

Ecosystems: all living (biotic factors) and nonliving (abiotic factors) parts of an environment Communities: all the organisms living in a certain area Ecosystems: all living (biotic factors) and nonliving (abiotic factors) parts of an environment Communities: all the organisms living in a certain area made up of

Populations: all the organisms of the same species living in the same area Species: groups of organisms so similar they can breed and produce fertile offspring. Individuals Populations: all the organisms of the same species living in the same area Species: groups of organisms so similar they can breed and produce fertile offspring. Individuals made up of

II. Interactions Among Organisms (Energy Flow) Sunlight is the main source of energy in most ecosystems. Sunlight is the main source of energy in most ecosystems.

What is energy needed for? To power life processes – Ex: metabolism, respiration, digestion, circulation What is energy needed for? To power life processes – Ex: metabolism, respiration, digestion, circulation

1.Rule of 10: a. 10% of energy is transferred b/w trophic levels. b. So if the sun gives 100% what percent does the cow, who is a second level consumer get? 1.Rule of 10: a. 10% of energy is transferred b/w trophic levels. b. So if the sun gives 100% what percent does the cow, who is a second level consumer get?

What is another source for energy? Inorganic chemical compounds Thermal vents & bacteria What is another source for energy? Inorganic chemical compounds Thermal vents & bacteria

A.Producers/ Autotrophs: plants, algae, & some bacteria that make their own food (photosynthesis or chemosynthesis).

1. What is another source for energy? Chemosynthesis Thermal vents & bacteria 1. What is another source for energy? Chemosynthesis Thermal vents & bacteria

B. Consumers/ Heterotrophs: organisms that obtain their food by eating other organisms st order (primary) consumers eat plants (herbivores) B. Consumers/ Heterotrophs: organisms that obtain their food by eating other organisms st order (primary) consumers eat plants (herbivores)

2. 2 nd (secondary) order consumes C1 (Herbivores). Carnivores

3. 3 rd level consumer (top-level carnivores (C2)) eat C1 ( 1 st level carnivores)

Omnivores: eat both plants and animals Detrivores: feed on plant & animal remains & other dead matter. Omnivores: eat both plants and animals Detrivores: feed on plant & animal remains & other dead matter.

C. Decomposers: feed on dead organism, breaking down dead plants and animals and returning nutrients to the soil.

4. Many organisms feed at more than one level. 5. Omnivores: consumers who feed off plants and animals 4. Many organisms feed at more than one level. 5. Omnivores: consumers who feed off plants and animals

Energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction, from the sun or inorganic compounds to autotrophs (producers) and then to various heterotrophs (consumers). Energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction, from the sun or inorganic compounds to autotrophs (producers) and then to various heterotrophs (consumers).