Species RelationshipsRead p. 788-791

Ch 36.1

Species Relationships

• Interactions that allow organisms to obtain energy and materials for life, and to maintain homeostasis within populations, communities, and ecosystems

Feeding Relationships• Autotrophs: (auto = self) organisms that

use energy from the Sun or energy stored in chemical bonds to produce food for themselves–AUTOTROPHS = PRODUCERS–Examples: plants, algae, bacteria

that contain chlorophyll (blue-green bacteria)

• Heterotrophs: (hetero=other) organims that depends on autotrophs as nutrient and energy sources–HETEROTROPHS = CONSUMERS

Types of Consumers• Herbivore – feeds on producers

–Ex. rabbits, deer• Carnivore – feeds on consumers

–Ex. Lions, tigers –Scavengers: animals that feed on

dead animals (Ex. ants, vultures, beetles, etc)

• Omnivore: feed on producers and consumers–Ex.Raccoons, coyotes, bears

• Decomposer: organisms that break down and absorb nutrients from dead organisms–Ex. certain bacteria, protists,

fungi

Habitat vs. Niche

• Habitat: the place where an organism lives out its life–An organim’s “address”–Ex. An African lion’s habitat is the

savanna–Ex. A lily pad’s habitat is a

temperate pond

• Niche: the role a species plays in a community–An organism’s “occupation”–Materials (space, food, mates, etc)

and conditions (temp, moisture, etc.) an organism needs to live and reproduce

–No 2 species have the exact same niche (Overlapping can occur)

What is an African Lion’s niche?

• Warm temps• Tall grass• Prey to hunt/feed• Open spaces• Other lions

(pride)

Assignment

• On a different piece of paper…–Pick an organism–Name its habitat–List 5 things in its niche*Can’t use humans, pets, farm

animalsTurn it in when you’re finished!