Download Chapter 1.1 * Equilibrium in the Biosphere

Chapter 1.1 –
Equilibrium in
the Biosphere
Curricular Outcomes
20–A1.1k
Explain, in general terms, the one-way flow of
energy through the biosphere and how stored
biological energy in the biosphere, as a system, is
eventually lost as heat
Ecology: The study of
Ecosystems!

Ecosystem: a community of biota interacting
with the abiotic world (physical & chemical
environment).



Example  Plants & animals in a habitat with
unique soil (edaphic), air & water conditions.
Ecosystems are determined by boundaries that
limit where organisms can be found ie.//
Water’s surface for a fish!
John West shark
2 Points About All Ecosystems:
1) There is a cycling of matter between biotic &
abiotic (Unit 1)

A balance exists between them 2 above called
HOMEOSTASIS

Animals give off CO2, plants use it and give off
O2
2) Energy drives the ecosystem  Comes from
the SUN!
Niche: an organism’s complete
role in the ecosystem
 It’s
total way of life
Includes:
 where it lives
 food it eats
 water requirements
 shelter
 interactions with other populations &
the abiotic world
Unit A – Chapter 1 Notes
Nelson: Pages 6-19
DEFINITIONS
 BIOSPHERE:
the closed system around the entire
earth that contains life
 the biosphere includes the:
LITHOSPHERE (land)
HYDROSPHERE (water)
ATMOSPHERE (air)
 DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM: any system that can
adjust to changes to maintain its steady state
 SPECIES:
a group of organisms that can
naturally interbreed to produce fertile
offspring
 POPULATION: all organisms of the same
species in the same area at the same time
 COMMUNITY: all the different populations in
the same area at the same time
 ECOSYSTEM: a community along with its
biotic & abiotic environment
 ABIOTIC = non-living components
 BIOTIC = living components
Biological levels of organization:
cell
tissue
organ
population
organism
Organ
system
community
ecosystem
biome
TASK: Write down the
definitions for each of the
bolded terms
biosphere
Smallest living
part of an
organism
Groups of cells
with similar
function
Group of
organisms of
same species,
living in same
area, during
same time
Groups of
organ systems
that make up
the organism
Group of different
species living in
same area
A community
and its physical
and chemical
environment
Groups of
tissues with
similar function
Groups of
organs with
similar function
Large area and
its organisms
Narrow zone around
Earth with life
BIODIVERSITY
 BIODIVERSITY
= the NUMBER of different species in
an ecosystem
 MORE biodiversity (more species)
EQUALS
MORE stable of an ecosystem (better!)
 Why?
It can adjust to changes better!
(better dynamic equilibrium!)
 read pages 9-10