CH 34 & 35

Ecology

34.1 The Biosphere is the Global Ecosystem

Ecology = study of organisms and their environmentBiotic Factors = living components of

ecosystemExamples…Abiotic Factors = nonliving components of

ecosystemExamples…

34.1 5 Levels of Study

Individual OrganismsExamples

34.1 5 Levels of Study

Populations = group of same species living in the same area

Examples

34.1 5 Levels of Study

Communities = all of the organisms living in the same area

Examples

34.1 5 Levels of Study

Ecosystems = abiotic plus biotic factorsExamples

34.1 5 Levels of Study

Biosphere = sum of all ecosystems

34.1 Patchiness

Uneven distribution of factors creates habitats

Habitat = specific environment in which organisms live

ExamplesForestsMarshesPonds

34.1 Key Abiotic Factors

SunlightWaterTemperatureSoilWindSevere Disturbances

34.1 Concept Check Questions

1. Draw a diagram showing the relationship among the five levels of ecological study.

Biosphere

1.

Ecosystem CommunityPopulation

Organism

34.1 Concept Check Questions

2. Describe what is meant by the "patchiness" of the environment.

34.1 Concept Check Questions

3. Explain the importance of sunlight as an abiotic factor in terrestrial ecosystems.

Controls:TemperatureHumidityPhotosynthesis ratesEtc.

34.1 Concept Check Questions

4. Define biotic and abiotic factors and give an example of each for a particular ecosystem.

Biotic- living factorGrass, bacteria, squirrel, tree

Abiotic – nonliving factorRock, water, air

34.1 Concept Check Questions

5. Explain why it is more accurate to define the biosphere as the global ecosystem than as the global community.

The biosphere includes abiotic as well as biotic features… therefore the term ecosystem is more appropriate.

34.2 Climate determines patterns in the biosphere

Sun’s rays produce 3 zones:ArcticTemperateTropic

34.2

Difference in temperatures produces winds… adding to effect

34.2

Local Climate = daily weather for a small area (Sycamore vs. Chicago)Can be different due to…Lake MichiganMississipi RiverValley

Microclimate = differences within areaDue to shade, buildings, above/below

ground

Concept Check 34.2

1. Explain how the uneven heating of Earth's surface creates different temperature zones.2. How do surface currents affect climate patterns?3. Why might a town located on a large lake be cooler in the summer than a town 100 kilometers away from the lake?4. Give an example of a microclimate

34.3

Biome = major type of terrestrial ecosystem that covers a large area of land

Major Biomes

tropical rain forest savanna desert chaparral temperate grassland temperate deciduous forest coniferous forest tundra

Tropical Rainforest

•Warm temps

•Up to 350 cm of precipitation/yr

•Diverse life forms

•Tall trees

•Poor soil quality

Savanna

Grassland with scattered shrubs and trees

Wet and dry seasonsMainly warm

Desert

Less than 30cm of precip/yrHot days/cold nightsCan be all cold

Chaparral

Along coastsEvergreen shrubsWet winters hot dry summers

Temperate Grassland

Warm summersCold wintersOccasional fires

Deciduous Forest

•Significant precipitation

•Trees drop leaves each year

•Warm summers, cold winters

Coniferous Forest

Dry and coldEvergreensTrees do NOT drop leavesAKA tiaga

Tundra

PermafrostPlants are low and shrubbyAlpine or arcticLow light

Concept Check 34.3

1. What factors determine the type of biome in an area?2. Compare and contrast tropical rain forests, temperate deciduous forests, and coniferous forests.3. Give an example of how a desert organism has adapted to the abiotic conditions there.

1. Climate (temperature & precipitation) and Latitude

34.4

Concept Check 34.4

1. Describe the abiotic factors that affect organisms in ponds, streams, and estuaries.2. Compare and contrast the intertidal zone, neritic zone, and oceanic zone.3. Discuss sunlight as an abiotic factor in coral reefs and vent communities.