2.1 Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Ecosystems

Science 10Mr. Francis2.1 Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Ecosystems

What is Ecology?Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their physical environment.Ecologists are scientists that study ecologyEcologists use different levels of organization to guide their studies

Levels of organizationFirst level of organizationOrganism a single living thingWe study behaviors, functions, anatomy and physiology that organisms display in order to live in a specific habitatHabitat is the specific area where an organism lives

Levels of OrganizationSecond level of organization - PopulationA Population is a group of organisms of the same species that share a habitatWhat is a population we see in the North Thompson?A species is a group of organisms that are capable of reproducing and rearing viable offspringViable means the offspring can reproduce (not sterile)Mules, Zebroids, Beefalo, Ligers and Wholphins are examples of hybrid organisms that cant reproduce with their parent species successfully

Levels of OrganizationThird level of organization - CommunityPopulations of different species of living things collectively make up the communityIdentify the different species that make up the community within our local ecosystem

Levels of OrganizationThe fourth level of organization is the EcosystemThe Ecosystem is composed of the community (biotic or living component) and the physical environment the community exists in (abiotic or non living)Ecosystems are not defined by size or complexity, can be as small as a decaying log or as large as an oceanEarth can be viewed as a giant Ecosystem, ecologists refer to the area on, in, and around earth where life is found as the Biosphere.

Examining the EcosystemThe parts of an ecosystem can be categorized as either biotic factors or abiotic factorsBiotic factors are the living components in an ecosystem (Plants, Animals, Bacteria, Fungi)Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem (temperature, wind, water, sunlight, oxygenThere is a strong connection between abiotic and biotic factors in ecosystems.Abiotic factors determine what living things can be successful in a given areaLiving things affect the abiotic component of the environment, this can again influence what lives in a certain areaFinding a balanceThere will always be changes within ecosystemsDynamic Equilibrium is the balance point at which the composition of the ecosystem does not change, even though small changes are occurring within the ecosystemLimiting Factors are the most important factors in determining what organisms can exist in an ecosystem. The amount of rain or sunlight determines what vegetation can grow in an area.AssignmentP. 24 # 1-4, 7, 8Be sure to title the assignment appropriatelySection 2.1 Abiotic and Biotic Factors in Ecosystems P. 24 # 1-4, 7,8.Put your name and date on itProvide full sentence answers where appropriate