1. Microorganisms in Ecosystems

2. Microorganisms in Ecosystems
Symbiosis = the intimate living together of 2 kinds of organisms
Note : the relationship between the 2 is not always good for both!
There are 3 types of symbiotic relationships:
Parasitism
Commensalism
Mutualism

3. 1. Parasitism +/-
Two organisms of different species live in a close association that benefits one partner (the parasite) but harms the other (the host)
The parasite usually does not kill the host outirght (or it will die too)

4. 1. Parasitism – con’t
Ex: Any organism that causes disease (protists, viruses, bacteria)
Ex: Streptococcus bacteria causes cavities in human teeth

5. 2. Commensalism +/0
Two organisms of different species live together in close association, but only one partner benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed (ie. not affected at all)

6. 2. Commensalism – con’t
Ex: some bacteria in human intestines (like Lactobacillus)
They get our extra food, but we are not hurt by it
Ex: some bacteria in human eyes (Corynebacterium)
They get our dead skin cells, but we are not hurt by it

7. 3. Mutualism +/+
Two organisms of different species depend metabolically on each other to the extent that part of each one’s life cycle cannot be completed without the other
Ie. Both partners benefit

8. 3. Mutualism – con’t Ex. E. coli in human intestines
E. coli eats contents of gut, and makes vitamins K and B for humans
Ex: nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobacterium in roots of legume plants
Plant roots provide a home; bacteria makes nutrients (nitrogen) for the plant

9. 3. Mutualism – con’t Ex: lichens (algae + fungus)
Fungus provides a home; algae provides food (photosynthesis)
Ex: Mycorrhizae (plant + fungus)
Plant roots provide a home; fungus makes nutrients for plant

10. Effective Microorganisms (EM) Applications
A process of applying a mixture of micro- organims to soil to improve soil fertility, reduce the need for pesticides, and increase crop yield
Used instead of fertilizer
Totally natural
Also used in aquaculture (growing plants in water); raising livestock and recycling

11. Cow Mastitis
Natural biopolymer with EM-1 lactic acid bacteria. It provides an active protective barrier film on the teats after milking, keeping them soft and supple.
Helps heal damaged teat ends

12. Septic System
Septic tanks act as the collection point for your household sewage.
Waste is collected and settles giving microbes a chance to break down the organic waste.
The micro-organisms also ensure the liquid stays fluid and help keep foul odour to a minimum.

13. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A combination of cultural, biological, genetic, and chemical methods to control pests in a way that
Has lowest risk to humans
Doesn’t kill off non-target species (ie. Keeps the good bacteria alive)
Does not harm the environment
Does not decrease biodiversity
The problem with pesticides is that they kill off all the microorganisms in the soil and on the plant (the mutualistic, or helpful ones) so the plant actually gets weaker and sicker by spraying it

14. Ladybugs
A form of biological pest control Lady Bugs are widely used and are the best known for eating aphids.
A single ladybug will consume thousands of insects pest in its lifetime, helping to protect home gardens as well as valuable commercial orchards and vegetable crops.
1000 Live Ladybugs covers 10 sq m, ( 353 ft sq.)