Chapter 4 The Organization of Life

Susquehanna River Ecosystem Draw all 10 circled items from the list, PLUS 5 more uncircled items of your choice. Randomly scatter these items on your table. This is not a mural or picture of what the Susquehanna River looks like! Label the biotic factors (LIVING components) with a “B”. Label the abiotic factors (NONLIVING components) with an “A”. Draw lines showing connections between components of this ecosystem. On each line, write what the connection is (1 or 2 words).

Section 1: Ecosystems: Everything Is Connected Ecosystem All of the organisms living in an area together with their physical environment Oak forest, coral reef, vacant lot Connected: no clear boundaries

Section 1: Ecosystems: Everything Is Connected The Components of an Ecosystem Basic components: energy, mineral nutrients, carbon dioxide, water, oxygen, living organisms Biotic factors: the living and once living parts of an ecosystem Plants, animals, bacteria, dead organisms & dead parts, waste products Abiotic factors: the nonliving parts of the ecosystem Air, water, rocks, sand, light, temperature

Section 1: Ecosystems: Everything Is Connected The Organization of Living Things Organism: an individual living thing Species: a group of organisms that can mate to produce fertile offspring Population: all the members of the same species that live in the same place at the same time Community: a group of various species that live in the same place and interact with each other Ecosystem Biosphere

Section 1: Ecosystems: Everything Is Connected Habitat the place an organism lives Has specific biotic & abiotic factors