Chapter 34.1
The biosphere is the global ecosystem
Define the following key terms:
- Ecology
- Biotic factor
- Abiotic Factor
- Population
- Community
- Ecosystem
- Biosphere
- Habitat
The study of Ecology
- Ecologist: are scientists who conduct research in ecology.
- Ecologists test their hypotheses outdoor in the field as well as in the lab.
- They also use computer models to understand complex interactions between organism and their environment.
The study of Ecology
- Ecologist: are scientists who conduct research in ecology.
- Ecologist test their hypotheses outdoor in the field as well as in the lab.
- They also use computer models to understand complex interactions between organism and their environment.
- An organisms environment consists of other organisms as well as non living factors.
- Ecologist study the relationships among biotic and abiotic factors.
List 3 abiotic factors.
An Individual organism is part of a
Population which makes up a
Community which is part of an
Ecosystem which is in the Biosphere
See figure 34-1
Patchiness of the Biosphere
- The Biosphere is not spread out uniformly around the planet (see fig. 34-2)
- Observe the uneven distribution of ecosystems (deserts, grassland, forest etc)
- The environmental variations are due to differences in biotic & abiotic factors such as temperature, soil type, availability of water & light.
- See figure 34-3
Key abiotic Factors
- Abiotic factors include sunlight, water, temperature, soil and wind.
- Sunlight: provides light & warmth
- Water: essential for all life on Earth
- Temperature: regulated by the amount of sunlight, most organisms survive between 0 and 50 °C. Some organisms are adapted to live in more extreme temperatures.
- Soil: is a product of abiotic forces (such as ice, rain & wind) and living things (such as microorganisms, plants & earthworms)
- Wind: affects the distribution & activities of organisms e.g. wind moves clouds (rain), disperses seeds, and stirs up rivers and lakes creating water currents.
Assessment
- Complete the Concept Check on page 748
- Answer in complete sentences
- You may use the same paper as your notes.
- We will go over the answers together in class.