Parts of an Ecosystem.pdf

Parts of an Ecosystem Biotic Factors: The living parts of an organism’s environment. (plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms). Abiotic Factors: The non-living parts of an organism’s environment. (water, sunlight, temperature, soil). Habitat: The environment where an organism li...

Parts of an Ecosystem Biotic Factors: The living parts of an organism’s environment. (plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms). Abiotic Factors: The non-living parts of an organism’s environment. (water, sunlight, temperature, soil). Habitat: The environment where an organism lives. Niche: The role an organism plays in its environment, including its habitat and interactions. Ecosystem: A system formed by a group of living things interacting interdependently with each other and their non-living surroundings. Community: All the organisms that occupy a particular place at any particular time. Population: Refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific area and can interbreed. Measuring Abiotic and Biotic Factors Abiotic Measurements: Use tools like thermometers (temperature), rain gauges (precipitation), and soil pH testers. Biotic Measurements: Surveys and sampling methods, like quadrats or transects, to assess species diversity and abundance. Ecological Relationships Predation: One organism (predator) feeds on another (prey). Competition: Two or more organisms compete for the same resources. Mutualism: Both species benefit from the interaction (e.g., bees and flowers). Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is unaffected (e.g., barnacles on whales). Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of another (e.g., ticks on mammals). Food Chains and Food Webs Food Chain: A linear sequence showing who eats whom (e.g., grass → grasshopper → frog). Food Web: A complex network of interconnected food chains, demonstrating the various feeding relationships in an ecosystem. Pyramids of Biomass Pyramid of Biomass: Illustrates the total mass of living matter at each trophic level in an ecosystem. Typically, biomass decreases from producers to top predators. Trophic Levels: Producers (plants), primary consumers (herbivores),  secondary consumers (carnivores), and tertiary consumers. Types and Value of Biodiversity Types of Biodiversity: ○ Genetic Diversity: Variety of genes within a species. ○ Species Diversity: Variety of species in a habitat. ○ Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems in a region. Value of Biodiversity: Ecosystem services (pollination, water purification), economic benefits (resources), and cultural significance. 1. Economic Value Definition: The financial benefits we get from biodiversity, such as resources for jobs and products. Example: Medicines derived from plants, like the cancer drug from the rosy periwinkle. 2. Ecological Life Support Definition: The essential services that ecosystems provide to support life on Earth. Example: Wetlands filtering water and absorbing floods. 3. Cultural Value Definition: The significance of biodiversity in shaping cultural identity and traditions. Example: The Maasai people’s reliance on local wildlife and landscapes for their cultural practices. 4. Recreational Value Definition: The enjoyment and activities that biodiversity offers to people. Example: Hiking and wildlife watching in national parks like Yellowstone. 5. Scientific Value Definition: The importance of biodiversity for research and learning about the natural world. Example: Studying coral reefs to understand marine ecosystems and climate change impacts. 6. Negative Value Definition: The harmful effects that certain species can have on ecosystems and human activities.  Example: Invasive zebra mussels disrupting local fisheries and waterways. Threats to Biodiversity Habitat Destruction: Urban development, deforestation, and pollution. Overexploitation: Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and harvesting of resources. Invasive Species: Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems. Climate Change: Alters habitats and species distributions, threatening survival.