FOCUS. Context. Ecosystems. Habitats. Communities

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "FOCUS. Context. Ecosystems. Habitats. Communities"

Transcription

1 FOCUS 4.8 Context This Focus is about how living organisms can affect others, either helping or harming them. It also discusses how living organisms can affect their physical environment. It will help you understand the living world around you. Habitats An organism s habitat is the place where it lives. For example, the habitat of a particular Western grey kangaroo may be the John Forrest National Park in the south-west of Western Australia. Ecologists often talk of the habitat of a species. By this they mean all the living places of that particular type of organism. The habitat of the grey kangaroo species extends across southern Australia. An organism lives in a particular habitat because its requirements are met there. All the organisms of a species have similar requirements and therefore tend to live in similar places. Because all the environments on this planet are not the same, only some places have conditions that will suit a certain species. For example, koalas do not live in Western Australia because their food source, the particular types of eucalypt they prefer, are not found in this State. Fig Koalas are found where their food plants grow. A habitat is not the same as an environment. The term environment is used when discussing the factors that affect an organism. The habitat is simply where it lives. A habitat is a place, whereas an environment comprises a number of factors, such as amount of rainfall or the types of predators in the area. Ecosystems An ecosystem is any place where the organisms and their physical surroundings form an environment different from others nearby. Ecosystems can be any size, depending on what the ecologist wants to study in the area. For example, an ecosystem could be a small lake, a whole forest, or a puddle. A school aquarium is an artificial ecosystem. Biologists use the idea of ecosystems to help them understand the environment in a particular place. They want to know how the organisms affect each other and how the physical factors affect the organisms. They also want to know if the organisms affect their physical surroundings. So when ecologists study ecosystems they are studying the three main components or parts, which are: 1 the living organisms 2 the physical surroundings 3 all the living and non-living factors that make up the environment. Communities All the living organisms in an ecosystem at a particular time are called a community. A community is usually named after an obvious feature in its environment. The most obvious thing may be a living thing, such as a tree. For example, a community may be called a York gum woodland community. The most obvious feature in the non-living surroundings can also be used to name a community. For example, there are granite rock and freshwater lake communities. Communities consist of hundreds or even thousands of different types of organisms. The total number of an organism living in the ecosystem at 177

2 The living environment >>> Fig A freshwater lake community. Only the living organisms are called the community. When competing for food, nesting places, shelter, water and other resources, many animals establish territories to ensure they have enough of each. Territories are areas that these animals defend by attacking any competing animal that enters. Birds fight fiercely for their territories. In the early morning and evening, many birds give out calls to warn others away from their territory. As this keeps most other birds away, fighting occurs less often. The territory is usually defended by the male, but for some birds, such as the magpie and kookaburra, a family defends the territory. Birds sing to warn others away from their territory. Fig a particular time is called the population of that organism. So communities consist of many different populations. Ecosystems are also often named using the community name. So if an area is being studied as an ecosystem, a York gum woodland community would be called a York gum woodland ecosystem. The granite rock community becomes a granite rock ecosystem. How organisms affect each other Living organisms affect each other in their search for their requirements such as food, shelter, mates and a suitable habitat. They sometimes assist each other, and sometimes they compete with and even harm each other. These types of relationships are given special names to define how the organisms affect each other. Competition Competition occurs when organisms need the same resource and there is a limited amount of it. Competition occurs between members of the same species and between different species. For example, pine trees planted in an area all need the same minerals from the soil. If there is only a limited supply, as there usually is, each tree will be able to absorb only a small amount. The trees will not grow as fast as they could if they had adequate amounts of the minerals. So the trees are usually thinner and not as healthy. In natural communities, competition is always fierce. It is difficult for humans to imagine how much competition is a fact of life for other animals and plants. There is a constant struggle for existence, and many die. Predation Predation is a feeding relationship, in which one organism kills and eats another. The attacker is the predator and the one which is eaten is the prey. Usually this refers to animals eating other animals, but some plants also eat animals. The peregrine falcon is a predator. Fig

3 One feeding relationship that is difficult to classify is that of herbivores which eat only part of a plant, rather than killing the whole plant. Usually this is still called predation. Mutualism Mutualism is a relationship in which two organisms live closely together to benefit each other. The microorganisms in the intestines of sheep are a good example. The microorganisms can digest the cell walls of the plant material that sheep eat. The sheep cannot do this. Without the microbes, the sheep could not survive. The microbes receive food and adequate conditions, such as temperature and moisture for survival. So both organisms depend upon each other. Cleaner fish are also an example. They eat parasites off the bodies of other fish. So both fish benefit. Parasitism Another example of the dependence of one organism on another is parasitism. Parasites are organisms that live on or in another organism and feed off it. Tapeworms are well known parasites of humans. The parasite cannot survive without the organism in which it lives. The parasite usually harms the host, but rarely kills it. Some other parasitic organisms are ticks, fleas, leeches, mistletoe and the Western Australian Christmas Tree. 4.8 FOCUS Fig Cleaner fish and the fish they clean are showing mutualism. Fig The human head louse is a parasite that feeds on the scalp. Homework book 4.12 Whodunnit? Pollination is a good example of mutualism. Many flowering plants depend on animals for pollination. Pollination is the transport of pollen, the male sex cells, to the female parts of the flower. This helps to produce the seeds. Without certain animals, these plants cannot reproduce and would eventually die out. Many orchardists keep bees to help pollinate the flowers. Commensalism Commensalism is a relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is unharmed. An example is the remora and a shark. A remora is a type of fish which has a sucker on the back of its head. It hitches a ride on a shark by sticking to its underside. It feeds on leftover bits of food from the shark s prey. Some types of anemone fish, called clown fish, show the characteristic of commensalism. These fish feed on leftover food caught by the anemone, so they do not seem to compete with the anemone. They do not seem Killer clowns There is one type of clown fish which has been seen in aquariums to catch small fish and drag them over to the anemone. The anemone stings them and kills them. Then both the clown fish and the anemone feed from the fish. If this happened in the wild, what would you call the relationship? 179

4 The living environment >>> Fig Commensalism between a shark and a remora Fig Scavengers like this Tasmanian devil eat dead organisms. The remains then decay. to provide the anemone with any benefit. The fish are able to hide in the anemone s tentacles without being stung and so hide from predators. Other creatures are stung when they touch the tentacles. How organisms affect the physical environment Living organisms can affect their physical environment. The recycling of nutrients and ecological succession are examples of ways in which living organisms affect their physical environment. Recycling of nutrients Certain organisms, such as some bacteria, use the bodies of dead organisms and animal wastes for food. These decay organisms are important to producers. Decay organisms are also known as decomposers. This is because the dead bodies and animal wastes contain chemicals that producers can use to make their food. Since there is usually a limited supply of many of these chemicals in the soil and water, any addition improves plant growth. The bacteria return these important chemicals to the soil and water, allowing producers to use them. The chemicals that were in the dead bodies originally came from the soil or water. They were passed along food chains as one organism ate another. Because they are returned to the place from which they came they are said to have been recycled. Recycling of gases also occurs. Oxygen, the product of photosynthesis, is used by animals in respiration. Animals give out carbon dioxide when they respire. This carbon dioxide is then used by producers again in photosynthesis. So the carbon dioxide and oxygen are recycled. Decomposers recycle materials back to the physical surroundings for reuse. Fig Recycling of substances by organisms is extremely important. If this did not occur there would need to be an endless supply of all the substances organisms require. There are almost no resources on the Earth that are in endless supply. This is one reason why governments spend large sums of money to find ways of recycling rubbish. 180

5 4.8 FOCUS Fig The carbon cycle Plastic pollution Scientists are aware now that substances they produce should be biodegradable. This means that organisms can recycle them. Some plastics cannot be broken down by organisms and the chemicals in them are never recycled. Many substances cycle continuously through the environment. For example, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements are continuously recycled. Figure shows the cycling of carbon. It indicates that carbon atoms are never destroyed or lost. Prac 1 p. 183 Ecological succession A good example of how organisms change their physical environment is illustrated by the colonisation of rocky outcrops. The first organisms that colonise bare rock are lichens and algae. These break down the rock with acid. A community develops, based on the lichens as food. The lichens change the area. By breaking up the rock, they help create a thin layer of soil. Wind-blown dirt is trapped in the lichen and adds to the soil. Then the environment is suitable for the growth of mosses and liverworts. These plants begin to grow over the lichens. They attract other animals to the area to feed. So the community changes because the lichens alter the non-living environment, which in turn changes the living environment. Some of the mosses and liverworts gradually die and decay and the soil becomes a little deeper. Then plants that require this depth of soil can grow. Ferns are often among the next organisms in the new community. Over a long period of time even small trees may grow on the rocks. Ecological succession on a granite rock Fig Ecological succession is the term used for the sequence of different communities in an area over a period of time. Ecological succession can be observed in many situations, such as the beach front, or cleared paddocks that return to natural bush. Newly cleared road verges gradually become overgrown again as ecological succession occurs. Eventually all communities reach a stage where they no longer change that is, where ecological succession no longer occurs. This is called the climax. Most natural communities are in this stage. 181

6 The living environment 4.8 FOCUS Use your book [ Questions ] Habitats 1 Explain the difference between a habitat and an environment. 2 Explain why organisms are found only in particular places. Ecosystems 3 What is an ecosystem and what are the three main parts of any ecosystem? Communities 4 Explain the difference between a community and an ecosystem. How organisms affect each other 5 What is competition and why does it occur? 6 What is a territory and why do animals form them? 7 What is mutualism? How organisms affect the physical environment 8 Using an example, explain how organisms can change the physical environment. 9 Why are decay organisms (decomposers) important in an ecosystem? 10 What does biodegradable mean and why is it an important concept? Use your head 11 Give a name for each of the following relationships, and explain why you used that name. a falcon and budgerigar b tick and bobtail lizard c ringworm and human d human and garden e lion and cheetah f sheep and the bacteria in its gut g rabbit, fox and wedge-tailed eagle h soldier ant and worker ant in a colony. >>> 12 In Australia, termites are very important decomposers. How are termites useful in an ecosystem? 13 Why are bees, wasps and honeyeaters important to plants in ecosystems? 14 Explain the following statement, using examples. Ecosystems are composed of the community and its physical surroundings. The community is affected by its physical environment and the physical environment is affected by the community. 15 Using the diagram of the carbon cycle in Figure , describe two ways in which your body could contain carbon atoms that were once part of a dinosaur. 16 Explain how a eucalypt depends on both its living and its physical environments. Use at least three examples for each. 17 Should the rocks, air and water be considered part of the community? Explain your answer. Investigating questions 18 Find a diagram of the nitrogen cycle in a book or on the Internet. a Explain how the nitrogen is recycled to producers. b Explain why legumes are such an important crop species. c Explain why wattles and casuarinas are important in natural ecosystems. 19 Consider the following quote: Humans are really a community of organisms rather than one organism. Research this topic about the organisms which live on the outside and the inside of humans and write about half a page in support of this quote. 182

Ecology - the study of how living things interact with each other and their environment

Ecology - the study of how living things interact with each other and their environment Ecology Ecology - the study of how living things interact with each other and their environment Biotic Factors - the living parts of a habitat Abiotic Factors - the non-living parts of a habitat examples:

More information

Relationships and Energy within the Ecosystem Study Guide

Relationships and Energy within the Ecosystem Study Guide Name Date Class AM PM Relationships and Energy within the Ecosystem Study Guide Your test is on Outcome 1: Evaluate the relationships within an ecosystem to show similarities and differences. Fill in the

More information

Levels of Organization in Ecosystems. Ecologists organize ecosystems into three major levels. These levels are: population, community, and ecosystem.

Levels of Organization in Ecosystems. Ecologists organize ecosystems into three major levels. These levels are: population, community, and ecosystem. Levels of Organization in Ecosystems Ecologists organize ecosystems into three major levels. These levels are: population, community, and ecosystem. Population A population is a group of individuals of

More information

3 Types of Interactions

3 Types of Interactions CHAPTER 18 3 Types of Interactions SECTION Interactions of Living Things BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: What determines an area s carrying capacity?

More information

5 th Grade Ecosystems Mini Assessment Name # Date. Name # Date

5 th Grade Ecosystems Mini Assessment Name # Date. Name # Date An ecosystem is a community of organisms and their interaction with their environment. (abiotic, biotic, niche, habitat, population, community)- 1. Which effect does a decrease in sunlight have on a pond

More information

Interactions of life

Interactions of life Interactions of life Objectives Describe how organisms obtain energy for life. Explain how organisms interact. Recognize that every organism occupies a niche. Energy Living organisms need a constant supply

More information

Living Things and the Environment

Living Things and the Environment Unit 21.1 Living Things and the Environment Section 21.1 Organisms obtain food, water, shelter, and other things it needs to live, grow, and reproduce from its environment. An environment that provides

More information

Biomes, Populations, Communities and Ecosystems Review

Biomes, Populations, Communities and Ecosystems Review Multiple Choice Biomes, Populations, Communities and Ecosystems Review 1. The picture below is a school (group) of Jack fish. What type of distribution does this represent? A) Random B) Even C) Uniform

More information

SWMS Science Department

SWMS Science Department Big Idea 17 Interdependence SC.7.L.17.1 Explain and illustrate the roles of and relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers in the process of energy transfer in a food web. SC.7.L.17.2 Compare

More information

The factors together:

The factors together: Biotic Interactions 8.11A DESCRIBE PRODUCER/CONSUMER, PREDATOR/PREY AND PARASITE/HOST RELATIONSHIPS AS THEY OCCUR IN FOOD WEBS WITHIN MARINE, FRESHWATER AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS Biotic These are the

More information

ECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR LIVING COMMUNITIES

ECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR LIVING COMMUNITIES ECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR LIVING COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY Each community is made up of populations of various organisms living in the same location at the same time. community 1 = popln 1 + popln 2 + popln 3 Each

More information

Principles of Ecology

Principles of Ecology Principles of Ecology Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between 1. organisms and other organisms 2. organisms and their environment. Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors: All of the

More information

BIO 2 GO! Abiotic / Biotic Factors and Relationships in an Ecosystem

BIO 2 GO! Abiotic / Biotic Factors and Relationships in an Ecosystem BIO 2 GO! Abiotic / Biotic Factors and Relationships in an Ecosystem 3511 3512 All things are either abiotic or biotic. Ecosystems are determined by which of these factors are found in them. Interactions

More information

Ch20_Ecology, community & ecosystems

Ch20_Ecology, community & ecosystems Community Ecology Populations of different species living in the same place NICHE The sum of all the different use of abiotic resources in the habitat by s given species what the organism does what is

More information

Round One All play. Each question = 1 point

Round One All play. Each question = 1 point Ecology Unit Review Round One All play Each question = 1 point Leaf cells are one type of tree cell. Which process occurs in a live leaf cell? a. Evolution b. Adaptation c. sugar production d. sexual reproduction

More information

Organisms fill various energy roles in an ecosystem. Organisms can be producers, consumers, or decomposers

Organisms fill various energy roles in an ecosystem. Organisms can be producers, consumers, or decomposers Organisms fill various energy roles in an ecosystem An organism s energy role is determined by how it obtains energy and how it interacts with the other living things in its ecosystem Organisms can be

More information

Types of Consumers. herbivores

Types of Consumers. herbivores no energy = no life Types of Consumers herbivores herbivore us vegetation to swallow or devour Types of Consumers herbivores the organisms that eat plants carnivores carnivore us flesh to swallow or devour

More information

Chapter 4 SECTION 2 - Populations

Chapter 4 SECTION 2 - Populations Chapter 4 SECTION 2 - Populations 1 Each organism in an ecosystem needs a place to live called habitat. The habitat provides everything an organism needs to SURVIVE AND REPRODUCE: Food, water Shelter Habitats

More information

What is Ecology? The scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms in their environment, or surroundings

What is Ecology? The scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms in their environment, or surroundings ECOLOGY What is Ecology? The scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms in their environment, or surroundings Organization of the Biosphere Levels of organization Biosphere-

More information

BIOLOGY Unit 2: Ecology Review Guide

BIOLOGY Unit 2: Ecology Review Guide BIOLOGY 621 - Unit 2: Ecology Review Guide Worksheets to look over: BLUE notes packets on: o "Unit Two: Ecology" o "Feeding Relationships" o "Succession & Growth" Do Now's on: o "Food Web & Food Chains"

More information

Chapter 4 AND 5 Practice

Chapter 4 AND 5 Practice Name: Chapter 4 AND 5 Practice 1. Events that occur in four different ecosystems are shown in the chart below. Which ecosystem would most likely require the most time for ecological succession to restore

More information

1.0 Forest Ecology at the Ecosystem Level

1.0 Forest Ecology at the Ecosystem Level 1.0 Forest Ecology at the Ecosystem Level Ecology is the study of living and non-living parts of the environment and how they affect each other. The environment is everything around us. It includes the

More information

Ecology. Science Matters Chapter 16

Ecology. Science Matters Chapter 16 Ecology Science Matters Chapter 16 Learning outcomes Understand what the term ecology means. Be able to name different habitats. Be able to give examples of producers, consumers and decomposers in the

More information

8/18/ th Grade Ecology and the Environment. Lesson 1 (Living Things and the Environment) Chapter 1: Populations and Communities

8/18/ th Grade Ecology and the Environment. Lesson 1 (Living Things and the Environment) Chapter 1: Populations and Communities Lesson 1 (Living Things and the Environment) 7 th Grade Ecology and the Environment Chapter 1: Populations and Communities organism a living thing (plant, animal, bacteria, protist, fungi) Different types

More information

Unpack the Standard: Students will categorize relationships between organisms that are competitive or mutually beneficial.

Unpack the Standard: Students will categorize relationships between organisms that are competitive or mutually beneficial. Unpack the Standard: Students will categorize relationships between organisms that are competitive or mutually beneficial. Competition Among Organisms Competition occurs when organisms of the same or different

More information

GHS S.4 BIOLOGY TEST 2 APRIL Answer all the questions in Section A and B. in the spaces provided

GHS S.4 BIOLOGY TEST 2 APRIL Answer all the questions in Section A and B. in the spaces provided GHS S.4 BIOLOGY TEST 2 APRIL 2016 TIME: 1 HOUR Instructions: Answer all the questions in Section A and B. in the spaces provided ANSERS TO SECTION A 1 6 11 16 21 26 2 7 12 17 22 27 3 8 13 18 23 28 4 9

More information

Organisms can interact in different ways.

Organisms can interact in different ways. Page 1 of 8 KEY CONCEPT Organisms can interact in different ways. BEFORE, you learned ifferent populations live together in a habitat ifferent species fill different niches in a habitat There are patterns

More information

9 Week Review Biology. Magnolia High School 2015

9 Week Review Biology. Magnolia High School 2015 9 Week Review Biology Magnolia High School 2015 What is the cellular process shown below? Phagocytosis The BEST choice to complete this concept map! Animal Cell or Plant Cell? PLANT Cell What is the function

More information

Principles of Ecology

Principles of Ecology 2 Principles of Ecology section 1 Organisms and Their Relationships Before You Read On the lines below, list the organisms that you have encountered today. You share the same environment with these organisms.

More information

Groups of organisms living close enough together for interactions to occur.

Groups of organisms living close enough together for interactions to occur. Community ecology: First, let's define a community: Groups of organisms living close enough together for interactions to occur. First we probably want to describe the community a bit, so we look at: Biodiversity

More information

Section 2: How Species Interact with Each Other

Section 2: How Species Interact with Each Other Section 2: How Species Interact with Each Other Preview Bellringer Objectives An Organism s Niche Ways in Which Species Interact Competition Indirect Competition Adaptations to Competition Section 2: How

More information

Weather is the day-to-day condition of Earth s atmosphere.

Weather is the day-to-day condition of Earth s atmosphere. 4.1 Climate Weather and Climate Weather is the day-to-day condition of Earth s atmosphere. Climate refers to average conditions over long periods and is defined by year-after-year patterns of temperature

More information

A population is a group of individuals of the same species, living in a shared space at a specific point in time.

A population is a group of individuals of the same species, living in a shared space at a specific point in time. A population is a group of individuals of the same species, living in a shared space at a specific point in time. A population size refers to the number of individuals in a population. Increase Decrease

More information

Relationships in Ecosystems. Chapter 1 Lesson 2 page 38 WB pages 6-7

Relationships in Ecosystems. Chapter 1 Lesson 2 page 38 WB pages 6-7 Relationships in Ecosystems Chapter 1 Lesson 2 page 38 WB pages 6-7 Chapter 1 Lesson 2 Vocabulary 1. population- all the members of one species in an area 2. community- all the living things in an ecosystem

More information

Tolerance. Tolerance. Tolerance 10/22/2010

Tolerance. Tolerance. Tolerance 10/22/2010 Section 4.2 Mrs. Michaelsen Tolerance Every species has its own range of tolerance: The ability to survive and reproduce under a range of environmental circumstances. Tolerance Stress can result when an

More information

Biology 11 Unit 1: Fundamentals. Lesson 1: Ecology

Biology 11 Unit 1: Fundamentals. Lesson 1: Ecology Biology 11 Unit 1: Fundamentals Lesson 1: Ecology Objectives In this section you will be learning about: ecosystem structure energy flow through an ecosystem photosynthesis and cellular respiration factors

More information

Lesson Overview. Niches and Community Interactions. Lesson Overview. 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions

Lesson Overview. Niches and Community Interactions. Lesson Overview. 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions Lesson Overview 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions The Niche What is a niche? A niche is the range of physical and biological conditions in which a species lives and the way the species obtains what

More information

Food Web and Ecological Relationships Quiz

Food Web and Ecological Relationships Quiz Biology II Ms. Chen Name: Food Web and Ecological Relationships Quiz Date: Multiple Choice (2 pts each) Directions: Circle the best answer. 1. The loss of the producers in an ecosystem would most likely

More information

Honors Biology Ecology Concept List

Honors Biology Ecology Concept List 1. For each pair of terms, explain how the meanings of the terms differ. a. mutualism and commensalism b. parasitism and predation c. species richness and species diversity d. primary succession and secondary

More information

Figure 2 If birds eat insects that feed on corn, which pyramid level in the diagram would birds occupy? 1. A 3. C 2. B 4. D

Figure 2 If birds eat insects that feed on corn, which pyramid level in the diagram would birds occupy? 1. A 3. C 2. B 4. D Ecology Week 1 Assignment. This week's assignment will count as a quiz grade. Please speak to Mr. Roes about any questions that you would like help on! 1. The fact that no organism exists as an entity

More information

Education Transformation Office (ETO) 8 th Grade Unit # 6 Assessment

Education Transformation Office (ETO) 8 th Grade Unit # 6 Assessment Education Transformation Office (ETO) 8 th Grade Unit # 6 Assessment 1. Which of the following types of organisms mostly likely occupies the location marked X in the food web below? A. Primary consumer

More information

Ecology is the study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment. An ecologist is someone who studies those relationships.

Ecology is the study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment. An ecologist is someone who studies those relationships. Ecology is the study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment. An ecologist is someone who studies those relationships. Adaptations Living things are adapted, so they 'fit'

More information

What Shapes an Ecosystem? Section 4-2 pgs 90-97

What Shapes an Ecosystem? Section 4-2 pgs 90-97 What Shapes an Ecosystem? Section 4-2 pgs 90-97 What Shapes an Ecosystem? If you ask an ecologist where a particular organism lives, that person might say the organism lives on a Caribbean coral reef,

More information

Unit 8: Ecology: Ecosystems and Communities

Unit 8: Ecology: Ecosystems and Communities Unit 8: Ecology: Ecosystems and Communities An ecosystem consists of all the plants and animals that interact with the nonliving things in an area. Biosphere = area on Earth where living things are found

More information

Chapter 8 Understanding Populations

Chapter 8 Understanding Populations Chapter 8 Understanding Populations Section 2: How Species Interact with Each Other Key Terms: Niche Competition Predation Parasitism Mutualism Commensalism Symbiosis How Species Interact with Each Other

More information

Ch. 14 Interactions in Ecosystems

Ch. 14 Interactions in Ecosystems Ch. 14 Interactions in Ecosystems 1 14.1 Habitat vs. Niche Habitat all biotic and abiotic factors where an organism lives WHERE a species lives 2 Ecological Niche All physical, chemical, and biological

More information

Unit Plan Sketch. Part 1: Topic Content and Objectives

Unit Plan Sketch. Part 1: Topic Content and Objectives Topic: ECOLOGY Unit Plan Sketch Part 1: Topic Content and Objectives Grade level: Middle school Larger topic Interactions within Ecosystem Communities Population Dynamics in Ecosystems I. Objectives for

More information

Ecological Succession

Ecological Succession Ecological Succession Ecosystems are constantly changing Changes can start after quick disturbances, like a wildfire or volcano erupting. Changes can be slow and gradual, where older species die out and

More information

Pasig Catholic College Grade School Department PCC sa 103: Be with Jesus, Be with the Poor. S.Y SCIENCE 6 FIRST QUARTER

Pasig Catholic College Grade School Department PCC sa 103: Be with Jesus, Be with the Poor. S.Y SCIENCE 6 FIRST QUARTER FIRST QUARTER Activity Sheet No. 1 TYPE OF ACTIVITY: Discussion of Concepts Name Score Grade & Section Date TOPIC : Endocrine glands and their hormones Identify the hormones of the endocrine glands and

More information

Environmental Science. Teacher Copy

Environmental Science. Teacher Copy Environmental Science Teacher Copy Habitats! You are an organism!! Organisms obtain food, water, shelter and other things it needs to live, grow and reproduce from its environment.! A habitat is an environment

More information

Ch 4 Ecosystems and Communities. 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions

Ch 4 Ecosystems and Communities. 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions Ch 4 Ecosystems and Communities 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions The Niche The conditions in which an organisms lives, and how it interacts with its environment (in the trees, on the ground, inside

More information

Decomposers recycle nutrients (matter) but ENERGY IS ALWAYS LOST

Decomposers recycle nutrients (matter) but ENERGY IS ALWAYS LOST Decomposers recycle nutrients (matter) but ENERGY IS ALWAYS LOST What does this mean to us Stable ecosystems have a continual input of energy And more producers than consumers It takes less energy to produce

More information

HW/CW #5 CHAPTER 3 PRACTICE

HW/CW #5 CHAPTER 3 PRACTICE HW/CW #5 CHAPTER 3 PRACTICE 1. The portion of Earth in which all life exists is known as A) the climax stage B) the biosphere C) a population D) a biotic community 2. The study of the interactions between

More information

Lesson Overview 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions

Lesson Overview 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions THINK ABOUT IT If you ask someone where an organism lives, that person might answer on a coral reef or in the desert. Lesson Overview 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions These answers give the environment

More information

Populations and Communities

Populations and Communities CHAPTER 21 Populations and Communities LESSON 3 Communities What do you think? Read the two statements below and decide whether you agree or disagree with them. Place an A in the Before column if you agree

More information

14.1. KEY CONCEPT Every organism has a habitat and a niche. 38 Reinforcement Unit 5 Resource Book

14.1. KEY CONCEPT Every organism has a habitat and a niche. 38 Reinforcement Unit 5 Resource Book 14.1 HABITAT AND NICHE KEY CONCEPT Every organism has a habitat and a niche. A habitat is all of the living and nonliving factors in the area where an organism lives. For example, the habitat of a frog

More information

Interactions of Living Things

Interactions of Living Things CHAPTER 14 LESSON 2 Interactions of Living Things Populations and Communities Key Concepts How do individuals and groups of organisms interact? What are some examples of symbiotic relationships? What do

More information

Ecology Test Biology Honors

Ecology Test Biology Honors Do Not Write On Test Ecology Test Biology Honors Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. The study of the interaction of living organisms with

More information

1 The Cycles of Matter

1 The Cycles of Matter CHAPTER 19 1 The Cycles of Matter SECTION Cycles in Nature BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: Why does matter need to be recycled? How are water,

More information

What Shapes an Ecosystem Section 4-2

What Shapes an Ecosystem Section 4-2 What Shapes an Ecosystem Section 4-2 Biotic and Abiotic Factors Ecosystems are influenced by a combination of biological and physical factors. Biotic factors are the biological influences on an organism.

More information

1 Vocabulary. Chapter 5 Ecology. Lesson. Carnivore an organism that only eats meat or flesh. Niche an organism s role in the habitat

1 Vocabulary. Chapter 5 Ecology. Lesson. Carnivore an organism that only eats meat or flesh. Niche an organism s role in the habitat 1 Vocabulary Carnivore an organism that only eats meat or flesh Niche an organism s role in the habitat Community all the populations in one place that interact with each other Decomposer digests the waste

More information

Chapter Niches and Community Interactions

Chapter Niches and Community Interactions Chapter 4 4.2 Niches and Community Interactions Key Questions: 1) What is a niche? 2) How does competition shape communities? 3) How do predation and herbivory shape communites? 4) What are three primary

More information

Name: Characteristics of Life and Ecology Guided Notes (PAP)

Name: Characteristics of Life and Ecology Guided Notes (PAP) Name: Characteristics of Life and Ecology Guided Notes (PAP) I. What is Biology? a. Biology is the study of II. The Eight Characteristics of Life a. Organization & the presence of or more cells b. Response

More information

Types of Interactions

Types of Interactions 3 Types of Interactions Key Concept Organisms depend on their relationships with each other and on the resources in their environment. What You Will Learn Limiting factors determine the carrying capacity

More information

Principles of Ecology

Principles of Ecology Principles of Ecology What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of interactions that occur between organisms and their environment Biosphere Recall that the biosphere includes all living things In order to

More information

The Eco Pyramid By Michael Stahl

The Eco Pyramid By Michael Stahl The Eco Pyramid The Eco Pyramid By Michael Stahl An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with one another as well as with nonliving things. One very important aspect of an ecosystem

More information

Understanding Populations Section 1. Chapter 8 Understanding Populations Section1, How Populations Change in Size DAY ONE

Understanding Populations Section 1. Chapter 8 Understanding Populations Section1, How Populations Change in Size DAY ONE Chapter 8 Understanding Populations Section1, How Populations Change in Size DAY ONE What Is a Population? A population is a group of organisms of the same species that live in a specific geographical

More information

TAKE A LOOK 3. Complete Carbon dioxide in the air is used for. The Cycles of Matter continued

TAKE A LOOK 3. Complete Carbon dioxide in the air is used for. The Cycles of Matter continued CHAPTER 2 1 The Cycles of Matter SECTION Cycles in Nature BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: Why does matter need to be recycled? How are water,

More information

Organisms & Environments Task Cards

Organisms & Environments Task Cards Organisms & Environments Task Cards Organisms & Environments Task Cards Thank you so much for purchasing this product. I am truly appreciative of your business and I will happily respond to any of your

More information

Interdependence among Living Organisms and the Environment

Interdependence among Living Organisms and the Environment Form 2 hapter 4 Interdependence among Living Organisms and the Environment Paper 1 nswer all questions. Each question is followed by four options,,, and. For each question, choose one answer only. 1. The

More information

STAAR REVIEW 2015 BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS:

STAAR REVIEW 2015 BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS: Name: STAAR REVIEW 2015 BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS: Which body system(s) would be used for running? EX: Food is chewed, swallowed, and passed into the stomach where it is broken down into nutrients.

More information

2. Which of the following is an organism that is made of only one cell? A. a larva B. an oyster C. an amoeba D. a mold

2. Which of the following is an organism that is made of only one cell? A. a larva B. an oyster C. an amoeba D. a mold 1. I am the barrier between the inside and the outside of the cell. I allow food, oxygen, and other needed materials to enter the cell. I am a part of animal and plant cells. A. cell membrane B. cell wall

More information

Ch.5 Evolution and Community Ecology How do organisms become so well suited to their environment? Evolution and Natural Selection

Ch.5 Evolution and Community Ecology How do organisms become so well suited to their environment? Evolution and Natural Selection Ch.5 Evolution and Community Ecology How do organisms become so well suited to their environment? Evolution and Natural Selection Gene: A sequence of DNA that codes for a particular trait Gene pool: All

More information

FCAT Review. Evolution & Ecosystems

FCAT Review. Evolution & Ecosystems FCAT Review Evolution & Ecosystems Classifying Organisms Why would we classify organisms? To make them easier to study The science of studying how organisms are classified is called taxonomy Organisms

More information

Study Guide: Unit A Interactions & Ecosystems

Study Guide: Unit A Interactions & Ecosystems Study Guide: Unit A Interactions & Ecosystems Name: Pattern: Vocabulary: Section 1 Section 2 Ecosystem Consumer Biotic Producer Abiotic Carnivore Organism Herbivore Species Omnivore Population Decomposer

More information

Only about 10%_ percent of the energy available within one trophic level is transferred to organisms at the next trophic level when they are eaten.

Only about 10%_ percent of the energy available within one trophic level is transferred to organisms at the next trophic level when they are eaten. Ecology REVIEW Only about 10%_ percent of the energy available within one trophic level is transferred to organisms at the next trophic level when they are eaten. 1% 5% 10% 50% 100% TYPES OF HETEROTROPHS

More information

Science Review- CBA #1- Life Science Test: Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Science Review- CBA #1- Life Science Test: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 Science Review- CBA #1- Life Science Test: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 Interactions within an Ecosystem: Organisms perform a variety of roles in an ecosystem. Populations of organisms can be categorized

More information

Name: Section: Number:

Name: Section: Number: Name: Section: Number: 2 3 Vocabulary Word Definition competition p.114 parasite p.117 host p.117 succession p.118 extinct p.120 endangered p.120 hazardous waste p.126 4 5 6 7 Lesson 1: How are ecosystems

More information

Criteria Of Growth and Development

Criteria Of Growth and Development 1 Word Bank: Adaptation Concept Map: Characteristics of Life Homeostasis Reaction Bigger Metabolism Response Composed of CHNOPS Made of Cells One To Build Ex: Make cells Two Change To Break Ex: Digestion

More information

ECOLOGY: the scientific study of interactions of organisms with each other and with their environment

ECOLOGY: the scientific study of interactions of organisms with each other and with their environment 1 Biology Unit 9 Ecology 9:1 Populations SPECIES: organisms of the same kind which are able to interbreed and reproduce Example: Horse + Donkey Mule (64 + 62 63 chromosomes and cannot produce offspring)

More information

Tania Ostolaza Fernández sharpandsavvy.es UNIT 5. RELATIONSHIPS IN ECOSYSTEMS ACTIVITIES

Tania Ostolaza Fernández sharpandsavvy.es UNIT 5. RELATIONSHIPS IN ECOSYSTEMS ACTIVITIES UNIT 5. RELATIONSHIPS IN ECOSYSTEMS ACTIVITIES CHECK YOUR LEARNING Answer the following questions. Use full sentences and be careful with your handwriting. INTERRELATIONSHIPS. FOOD CHAINS & FOOD WEBS.

More information

Interactions of Living Things

Interactions of Living Things Interactions of Living Things Everything is Connected SB4. Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems. What is ecology?

More information

ENVE203 Environmental Engineering Ecology (Nov 19, 2012)

ENVE203 Environmental Engineering Ecology (Nov 19, 2012) ENVE203 Environmental Engineering Ecology (Nov 19, 2012) Elif Soyer Biological Communities COMPETITION Occurs when 2 or more individuals attempt to use an essential common resource such as food, water,

More information

ECOSYSTEMS. A community of living and non-living things that work together. Have no particular size. Biodiversity is key to a balanced ecosystem

ECOSYSTEMS. A community of living and non-living things that work together. Have no particular size. Biodiversity is key to a balanced ecosystem ECOSYSTEMS A community of living and non-living things that work together Have no particular size Biodiversity is key to a balanced ecosystem Ecology Nearpod Presentation Goals: I can accurately describe

More information

Ecology! the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment

Ecology! the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment Ecology Notes Ecology! the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment An ecosystem is an organism s surroundings consisting of both living and nonliving things. Abiotic NONliving

More information

Populations L3.notebook. June 10, Today you will: Jun 8 8:59 AM

Populations L3.notebook. June 10, Today you will: Jun 8 8:59 AM Today you will: Jun 8 8:59 AM 1 Population all the members of a species in a locality at a particular time Community all the species in a given area Geographic range the region where an organism is sighted

More information

Page 1. Name:

Page 1. Name: Name: 9477-1 - Page 1 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) The ecological niche of an organism refers to the A) relation of the organism to humans B) biosphere in which the organism lives C) position of the organism in a food

More information

Section A: Multiple choice (30 Marks)

Section A: Multiple choice (30 Marks) Grade 7 Science Unit 1 SAMPLE TEST Section A: Multiple choice (30 Marks) 1. Which term defines a group of interacting living and non-living things? A. community B. ecosystem C. habitat D. niche 2. Which

More information

Ecology: Part 1 Mrs. Bradbury

Ecology: Part 1 Mrs. Bradbury Ecology: Part 1 Mrs. Bradbury Biotic and Abiotic Factors All environments include living and non-living things, that affect the organisms that live there. Biotic Factors all the living organisms in an

More information

NOTES: CH 4 Ecosystems & Communities

NOTES: CH 4 Ecosystems & Communities NOTES: CH 4 Ecosystems & Communities 4.1 - Weather & Climate: WEATHER = day-to-day conditions of Earth s atmosphere CLIMATE= refers to average conditions over long periods; defined by year-afteryear patterns

More information

7. E C. 5 B. 1 D E V E L O P A N D U S E M O D E L S T O E X P L A I N H O W O R G A N I S M S I N T E R A C T I N A C O M P E T I T I V E O R M U T

7. E C. 5 B. 1 D E V E L O P A N D U S E M O D E L S T O E X P L A I N H O W O R G A N I S M S I N T E R A C T I N A C O M P E T I T I V E O R M U T 7. E C. 5 B. 1 D E V E L O P A N D U S E M O D E L S T O E X P L A I N H O W O R G A N I S M S I N T E R A C T I N A C O M P E T I T I V E O R M U T U A L L Y B E N E F I C I A L R E L A T I O N S H I

More information

Biology/Honors Biology Benchmark #2 Review Guide Fall 2016

Biology/Honors Biology Benchmark #2 Review Guide Fall 2016 Biology/Honors Biology Benchmark #2 Review Guide Fall 2016 Name CH 1: Science of Biology 1. Fill in the following table with parts of the scientific process. 2. What is the difference between an observation

More information

Examples of biotic communities: Pond community, Forest community, Lake community etc.

Examples of biotic communities: Pond community, Forest community, Lake community etc. BIOTIC COMMUNITY Community : In an environment or habitat, different types of plants and animals exist in close association and show interdependence. An actively interacting group of a number of different

More information

Ecology Student Edition. A. Sparrows breathe air. B. Sparrows drink water. C. Sparrows use the sun for food. D. Sparrows use plants for shelter.

Ecology Student Edition. A. Sparrows breathe air. B. Sparrows drink water. C. Sparrows use the sun for food. D. Sparrows use plants for shelter. Name: Date: 1. Which of the following does not give an example of how sparrows use resources in their environment to survive? A. Sparrows breathe air. B. Sparrows drink water. C. Sparrows use the sun for

More information

CHAPTER 14. Interactions in Ecosystems: Day One

CHAPTER 14. Interactions in Ecosystems: Day One CHAPTER 14 Interactions in Ecosystems: Day One Habitat versus Niche Review! What is a habitat? All of the biotic and abiotic factors in the area where an organism lives. Examples: grass, trees, and watering

More information

The study of a habitat

The study of a habitat Chapter 8 The study of a habitat Ecology Ecology is the study of how plants and animals interact with o each other and with o their environment. Ecosystems are similar groups of plants, animals and environments.

More information

HOMEWORK PACKET UNIT 2A. Part I: Introduction to Ecology

HOMEWORK PACKET UNIT 2A. Part I: Introduction to Ecology CP Biology Name Date Period HOMEWORK PACKET UNIT 2A Part I: Introduction to Ecology Name Class Date 3.1 What Is Ecology? Studying Our Living Planet 1. What is ecology? 2. What does the biosphere contain?

More information

9/10/ What Shapes an Ecosystem? Biotic and Abiotic Factors

9/10/ What Shapes an Ecosystem? Biotic and Abiotic Factors 9/10/14 4-2 What Shapes an Ecosystem? Biology 1 of 39 Ecosystems are influenced by a combination of biological and physical factors. The biological influences on organisms within an ecosystem are called

More information

Five Kingdoms of Life (Earth s Biodiversity)

Five Kingdoms of Life (Earth s Biodiversity) Five Kingdoms of Life (Earth s Biodiversity) Bacteria Protists Fungus Plants Animals prokaryotic eukaryotic eukaryotic eukaryotic eukaryotic single cell consumer (decomposer) or autotroph producer most

More information

4-2 What Shapes an Ecosystem? Slide 1 of 39

4-2 What Shapes an Ecosystem? Slide 1 of 39 4-2 What Shapes an Ecosystem? 1 of 39 Biotic and Abiotic Factors Biotic and Abiotic Factors Ecosystems are influenced by a combination of biological and physical factors. The biological influences on organisms

More information