Interdependence in Ecosystems

Main Science Concept

Explain how biotic and abiotic factors affect the carrying capacity and sustainability of an ecosystem

Identifies and describes how biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., available resources, disease, competition, predation, climate, habitat) affect the health and carrying capacity of an ecosystem. 

Review What are biotic and abiotic factors?

Biotic:▪ Competition▪ Disease▪ Human Impact▪ Predation

Abiotic:▪ Climate▪ Temperature▪ Rain▪ Habitat▪ Resources

Competition

Food and Space Limits population

size Most intense

competition is among individuals of the same species because they need the same kinds of food and shelter

Populations

Groups of organisms that are all the same species

Limiting Factor

Anything that restricts the number of individuals in a population

Include living and non-living features of the ecosystem

Can affect more than one population in a community

Carrying Capacity Largest number of

individuals of one species that an ecosystem can support over time

If a population exceeds the environment’s carrying capacity, some individuals will not have enough resources.

They could die or be forced to move.

Sustainability

Living systems remain diverse and productive over time

Using resources so that they are not depleted or permanently damaged

What abiotic or biotic factors could affect carrying capacity and sustainability of your ecobottle?