WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEMS?

Created by Ms. Barnes

Lesson Objectives I can describe the interactions that

occur within an ecosystem.

I can analyze adaptive characteristics that result in an organism’s special place within an ecosystem.

I can identify factors that limit the number and types of organisms in an ecosystem.

Vocabulary

Ecosystem Individual Population Community Habitat Niche

K-W-L Chart

Fill in the K-W-L Chart you got on your way in the door. Use this example to help you. Make sure you write down any questions you have about ecosystems.

What I KNOW

What I WANT to know

What I LEARNED

In this column you will list things you already know about ecosystems

In this column you will list questions you have about ecosystems or what you want to learn about them.

After the unit is over you will list what you learned in this column.

Time for an activity!

Follow the instructions on your activity sheet. There are 6 steps. Record on your observation sheet in your packet.

Let’s read about ecosystems!

With your table, read page B28 in your science book.

You will have about 7 minutes to read, and then we will discuss as a class.

Please work at Level 2.

What are the two parts of an ecosystem?

1.) a community Populations of organisms living together May include many different populations Interacts with the physical environment

2.) the community’s physical environment All nonliving things in an area This may include soil, weather, landforms, air, and

water

**The community and it’s physical environment make up an ecosystem.**

What is a niche? The role of a population in its

habitat. Example:

An eagle soars in the sky during the day looking for small animals to prey on.

Great horned owls share the golden eagle’s habitat and they also hunt small animals, but it hunts at night.

Since they have different hunting habits, they can share the same habitat and have different niches or roles.

Organization Individual – a single organism in

an environment Population – individuals of the

same kind living in the same environment.

Community – populations of organisms living together

Ecosystem - a community and it’s physical environment.

Quiz Time!

You will have a Turning Point quiz.

You may use any notes you took during class.