An Introduction

to Ecosystems
BIOLOGY
2/12/14

Ecosystems
Community

of living organisms along with

the non-living components of their
environment

Rainforest

Hydrothermal vents
Coral Reefs

Whats Living?
You

and Me!
Living Organisms: undergo metabolism,
maintain homeostasis, can grow, respond
to stimuli, reproduce, and adapt to their
environment
Biotic
What is Homeostasis?

Whats not living?

Non-living

components: chemical and

physical factors in the environment

Soil, water, air, temperature and sunlight

Abiotic
Question

to consider: Is something that is

dead, non-living?

Group Activity
Food

Chain: a series of organisms each

dependent on the next as a source of
energy
Food Web: a system of interlocking and
interdependent food chains

Keep in mind:
What is the originating source of all
energy?
In your food chains/webs, how is the
energy cycled?

Discussion
Keystone

Predator: a predator that plays

an important role in the function and
composition of an ecosystem

http://nojokesfact.tumblr.com/post/72594322228/started-watching-a-three-part-documentary-on#notes

Why does any of this matter?

Picture Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecosystem
facinatingamazinganimals.wordpress.com
techcrunch.com
blog.midwestlakes.org
www.iconfinder.com
www.bostonbakesforbreastcancer.org