Download Ecosystems - geo

Demonstrate an awareness of how the biotic
(plants, animals, soil, bacteria, fungi)
and abiotic (water, air, minerals, nutrients, light)
components interrelate to form a natural
functioning system, taking into account other
contributory factors of acidity, temperature,
humidity and wind.
Understand the relevant concepts of dynamic equilibrium,
food webs and food chains.
Demonstrate an awareness of the complexity of links
between biotic and abiotic components and how changes to
one or more of the components can disturb the equilibrium
of the system, especially as a result of human activity.
Understand how positive and negative feedback contribute to
the stability of the system.
Understand that changes to ecosystems may be
temporary (where recovery may occur leading to the
re-establishment of the system) or permanent, leading
to modification of the system.
The part of the Earth including air (atmosphere),
water (hydrosphere) and minerals (lithosphere)
where life can exist is called the biosphere.
One particular type of organism.
Homo sapiens
All the members of a species living in
a particular area at the same time.
All of the different populations of
organisms which live together for
example the grasses, trees, insects,
deer and birds which live in a part of a
wood.
The living organisms in an ecosystem – the
plants, animals, and micro-organisms.
The non-living chemical and physical parts of
the environment.
sun’s energy +
= carbohydrates
Detritivores digest the organic matter
internally after ingesting it. They speed
up decay by shredding the dead matter,
thereby increasing the surface area for
attack by the decomposers - bacteria and
fungi (e.g., mushrooms).
Both bacteria and fungi have the capacity
to release enzymes that break apart the
organic molecules, thereby releasing the
inorganic elements into the environment
(e.g., soil or water). This process is called
decomposition.
pyramid of energy
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•
•
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Not all of the plant is eaten
Unable to digest or break down all of the material
consumed
Running
Respiration
Growing
It takes a large number
of primary producers to
support a smaller number
of primary consumers,
which in turn provide food
for an even smaller
number of carnivores.
Where two organisms live together in an intimate
situation that is of benefit to them both.
The place where a particular organism or
population lives.
This refers to an animal’s role in a habitat – what
it feeds on and when, where it finds shelter, etc.
Competition between two members of the
same species.
Competition between members of two
different species.
Gradual progression from one community to
another.
The introduction of species into an area that
has never previously been colonised.
The first species to enter an area.
The re-establishment of species into an area that
once contained populations of plants and
animals, but which have been disturbed.
Eventually a stable ecosystem develops which is
in equilibrium with its environment and which
normally undergoes little further change.
different soil types
different climax community
A climax community produced by the action of
humans.
Succession is then said to be deflected.
1.
Ability to withstand drying (desiccation)
2.
Ability to withstand wave pounding
The most common formula for working out
Species Diversity is the Simpson’s diversity index
Simpson's diversity index,
which uses the following formula:
Where:
D = diversity index
N = Total number of organisms of all species
found
n = number of individuals of a particular species
Usually used in studies of vegetation but can also
be applied to animals.