Introduction to

Ecosystems
The Environment

⚫The environment is all the living and non-

living things that exist on earth as well as
their interactions with each other.

⚫All life depends on what is contained within

the sphere of our planet Earth.
Ecology: it’s All About Interaction

● Ecosystems rely on interactions between

organisms.

● Ecology is the study of how organisms

interact with each other as well as the
environment.
Ecosystems

⚫An ecosystem is a complex, SELF-

REGULATING system of interrelated
components. Many individual parts interact
as a whole.
 Factors in Ecosystems
Ecosystems are made of:
Biotic Factors :components are
the living things that shape an
ecosystem

Examples:
- Animals
- Bugs
- Fish
- Plants
 Factors in Ecosystems
Ecosystems are made of:
Abiotic factors are the non-living
parts of the environment that can
often have a major influence on
living organisms.
Examples:
- Rocks
- Air
- Mountains
- Sun
- Sand / Soil
- Water
Abiotic or Biotic ?
Types of Ecosystems
Ecosystems are often classified as:
Aquatic Terrestrial

- Pond - Desert
- Lake - Forest
- Sea / ocean
Communities in Ecosystems
Species: a group of similar organisms in an ecosystem that
can reproduce to make offspring that can also reproduce.

Population: a group of members of the same species that live

in the same area.
Ecosystems
Habitat: is the physical environment of an organism

Community: populations of different species that live and

interact in an area
What is a Niche ?
Niche: The role of an organism ( all the interactions of an
organism with its ecosystems

Ex 1: niche of grey squirrel includes eating nuts, being hunted

by owls, and living in trees
Ecosystems

Ecosystems : a complex self-regulating system of interrelated

living and non-living components

Biome : a large geographical region that contains similar

ecosystems
Earth’s 4 Spheres

Biosphere: All areas on Earth where living things exist,

including _air_, __land__ and _water_.
It is supported by the _atmosphere__, _lithosphere_ and
_hydrosphere_.
1. Biosphere
• The Biosphere is the part of the planet where life exists
• World wide sum of all ecosystems
• It is very thin relative to whole Earth!
• Think Saran- Wrap on a beach ball!
2. Atmosphere
⚫Atmosphere: thin layer of gases that surrounds the
Earth
• Absorbs energy to warm Earth
• Contains oxygen to sustain life
• Ozone protects from Sun’s UV rays
Earth’s Spheres
⚫3. Lithosphere: Earth’s solid, outer layer
• forms continents and ocean floor

⚫4. Hydrosphere: all the water on above or below

Earths’ surface
⚫It includes Lakes, rivers, oceans, glaciers,
groundwater
Which Ecosystem has
more biodiversity?
How do humans control or change
the abiotic elements of that
ecosystem and how it would affect
the biodiversity of the garden.
Do the same for biotic elements
Intro Ecology Video

⚫https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gln
FylwdYH4