Ecosystems and Habitats Overview

Study Notes

Ecosystems are biological communities of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
They encompass both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
Key characteristics include the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients.
Energy flows through the ecosystem in one direction, typically from the sun through producers (plants) to consumers (animals).
Nutrients are recycled within the ecosystem, returning to the environment and being reused.
Different ecosystems have varying levels of biodiversity and are shaped by unique environmental factors like climate, geography, and substrate.
Ecosystems can be classified into different types based on their dominant characteristics, such as terrestrial (forests, grasslands, deserts), freshwater (lakes, rivers, swamps), and marine (oceans, coral reefs).

Habitats are specific environments where particular species live and thrive.
Habitats are characterized by specific abiotic factors such as climate, temperature, water availability, and sunlight.
They also include the biotic factors of the ecosystem, like the availability of food and predators.
Living organisms adapt to their habitat by developing specialized traits.
The physical and chemical properties of habitat determine the organisms able to survive in those conditions.
A species' needs and adaptations help dictate its preferred habitat.
Different species may have similar habitat needs but not necessarily overlap.
Competition among species for resources can play a crucial role in habitat selection and distribution.
Habitat loss and degradation are significant threats to biodiversity.
A species' habitat correlates with its survival and reproduction potential.
Organisms in a habitat have specific roles.
Different ecosystems contain a variety of habitats.
Human activities can impact habitats, sometimes with detrimental effects.