EcosystemsChapter 2

Mr. Sierra

What is an “Ecosystem”? All the different organisms living in a

certain area, along with their physical environment.

This includes: Biotic & Abiotic Factors

Chapter 2 - Section 1

Biotic =Abiotic =

Chapter 2 - Section 1

Living ThingsNon-Living Things

Link to Prezi: Click Herehttp://prezi.com/xqmuenp1d5ex/ecosystems/

1. Individual Organism2. Population3. Community4. Ecosystem5. Biosphere

Biosphere

Chapter 2 - Section 1

Niche vs. Habitat Niche: an organism’s way of life

Habitat: the actual place where an organism lives

Biomes: regions that have distinctive climates and organisms – may contain many separate but similar ecosystems.

Chapter 2 - Section 1

Species Interactions

Chapter 2 - Section 2

Interaction Definition Examples

Competition Two or more organisms of the same or different species attempt to use the same limited resource.

Oak trees and maple trees competing for light.Fish and Frogs eating bugs in the water.

Predation/Parasitism

Organisms that live in or on another organism and feed on it without immediately killing it. (One species benefits, one is harmed.)

Predation: wolf and rabbitParasitism: flea and wolf

Mutualism A cooperative partnership between two species in which both species benefit. - (also called symbiotic relationships)

Insect pollination of flowers

Commensalism A relationship in which one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.

Birds on the back of a rhinoceros.

Amensalism/Allelopathy

One species harms another (typically by releasing a chemical or toxic

substance), but is not affected itself. affects the development and growth of neighboring plants.

Eucalyptus & Black Walnuts

http://www.learner.org/courses/envsci/unit/text.php?unit=4&secNum=7

“Survival of the Fittest”

Chapter 2 - Section 3

Natural SelectionThe unequal survival and reproduction that results from the presence or absence of particular “traits”.

Chapter 2 - Section 3

(Starburst Activity)

Evolution A change in the genetic characteristics

of populations from one generation to the next.

Chapter 2 - Section 3

CoEvolution When 2 or more species evolve in response to

each other.

Adaptation An inherited trait that increases an

organism’s chance of survival and reproduction in a certain environment.

Chapter 2 - Section 3

Extinction When the last individual of a species dies.

Threatened Endangered Extinct!

Chapter 2 - Section 3

ProjectMake a PowerPoint based on an Endangered Species of animal, insect or plant.

RequirementsLocation: include population/habitat maps and migration routesQuantity: how many are left - in the wild vs. in captivityCauses: why are they threatened or endangered?Solution: how are they being protected / reproduced today? See “assignments” page of website for more information.