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New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning
Progressive Science Initiative
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www.njctl.org
Relationships & Cycles of Matter & Energy
in Ecosystems
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Table of Contents: Relationships & Cycles of Matter & Energy
in Ecosystems
· Introduction to Biomes and Ecosystems
Click on the topic to go to that section
· Energy in Food Webs
· Competition for Resources
· Balance Within an Ecosystem
· Ecosystem
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Life on Earth is organized into different levels.
The different levels allow for the study of interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors.
Levels of Ecology
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The biosphere refers to the entirety of the living world (the prefix "bio-" means "living").
It is the sum of all ecosystems - from the highest point of the atmosphere to the deepest reaches of the ocean.
Biosphere
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A biome is a geographic area of the Earth that is defined by the types of plants and animals living there.
Different regions of the earth have different climates, which then create different biomes. An area's climate is its average weather over a long
period of time.
MAJOR BIOMES OF THE WORLD
Biomes
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forest ecosystem
wetland ecosystem
EcosystemsA biological community of interacting organisms and their physical
environment is an ecosystem. Within a biome, there can be several ecosystems.
List all of the biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors that make up the ecosystem in the picture above.
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Communities are populations that interact with each other within an ecosystem. Communities can be separated by living
or non-living matter, such as mountains or streams.
Communities
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The specific place or environment within an ecosystem where animals and plants live or grow is called a habitat.
As you can see above, some habitats are underwater or even underground!
Habitats
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Groups of organisms that live in the same area and mate with one another make up a population.
Populations
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Organisms are specific species of plants, animals, bacteria, fungi or other living things that live in a specific area.
Organisms
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1 All biomes have similar climates.
True
False
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2 Which of the following is not a classification level of Ecology
A Organism
B Species
C Communities
D Biosphere
E Populations
F Ecosystems
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3 There are many types of ecosystems within a given habitat.
True
False
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4 A biological community of organisms interacting with their environment is a(n)
A Habitat
B Community
C Population
D Ecosystem
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5 Desert, mountains, tundra and tropical rain forest are all examples of __________.
A Species
B Habitats
C Ecosystems
D Biomes
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What Makes Up an Ecosystem?
Remember, an ecosystem is a community of both living and nonliving things that interact in the same
area.
Let's brainstorm to come up with a list things that may be found in an ecosystem.
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Living or Nonliving?
Living things perform all of the following life processes:
-get energy and nutrients -use energy -grow -reproduce -get rid of waste -respond to the environment
Things that do not perform all of the life processes are considered nonliving.
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Living or Nonliving?
Determine if the following objects are living or nonliving by checking off the boxes below:
Object Does it move? Does it eat? Does it
reproduce? Does it grow? Living or Nonliving?
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There are two types of factors within an ecosystem, biotic and abiotic.
biotic factors = living abiotic factors = nonliving
Factors in an Ecosystem
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sunlight
oxygen
water
carbon dioxide
photosynthesis
Organisms that make their own nutrients from their surroundings
are called autotrophs.
All plants are autotrophs. Plants go through photosynthesis where they convert sunlight
into the chemical energy they need to grow.
Autotrophs
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All animals are heterotrophs.
Organisms that rely on consuming other organisms to gain energy and nutrients are called heterotrophs.
Heterotrophs
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Other animals are carnivores, which hunt and eat only other
animals.
Some animals are herbivores, and only eat plants to gain energy.
Animals that eat both plants and other animals are called omnivores.
grasshoppers eat grass
mice eat berries and insects
hawks eat snakes
Types of Heterotrophs
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Dependence on Environments
Living things depend upon their environment for food, shelter and survival. Without access to the necessary items in their environment
living things would struggle to survive.
What do owls depend upon their environment for?
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Change Impacts Ecosystems
Ecosystems (the living and nonliving things in an environment) are all a part of a connected community where a minor change can disrupt or
destroy the entire system.
If the pond above was contaminated it could cause the plant and algae population to die off. If this was to happen, then the fish,
insects, birds and reptiles that all depend upon them would also die.
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6 Air and water are biotic factors of an ecosystem.
True
False
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7 Which of the following are heterotrophs? (Put in all that apply)
A Pelican
B Pine tree
C Human
D Pancake
E Shark
F Bacteria
G Moss
H Spider
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8 Living things do which of the following? (Select all that apply)
A Grow
B Respond to the Environment
C Get Rid of Waste
D Get and Use Energy
E Reproduce
F All of the Above
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9 Which of the following would impact a forest ecosystem? (Select all that apply)
A Strong Winds
B Pine beetle killing of trees
C Harsh winter
D Introduction of Wolves into the area
E All of the above
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The organisms within an ecosystem need shelter, air, water and
energy to survive.
They get their energy from many different sources.
Needs of Organisms
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Organisms and populations depend upon their environment to support their life. Species constantly interact with the other living
and nonliving factors.
Importance of the Environment
What are the environmental requirements to support beavers? Which environment below would best support beavers? Why?
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As organisms grow and populations increase they are limited by how many resources they have access to. Eventually, populations
will reach their carrying capacity and their growth will stop.
Access to Resources
a
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Different organisms or populations that need the same resources will compete over these supplies.
Which organisms are competing for common resources in this food web?
Competition for Resources
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The resources that animals compete for are food, water, space to live and access to mates to breed with.
Competition in Animals
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Plants also compete for resources, though they are harder to see and somewhat different from animals.
Plants compete for water, access to light, the minerals in the soil and attention of certain animals for pollination and seed dispersion.
Competition in Plants
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10 What do organisms need to survive?
A Water
B Energy & Nutrients
C Air
D Habitat
E All of the above
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11 If there is a lack of resources in an area, what will happen to the population of organisms?
A They will increase as there is more room
B There will be no change
C It will decrease
D New organisms will inhabit the space
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12 Which of the following resources do plants compete for? (Select all that apply).
A Attraction of bees
B Access to Light
C Mates
D Water
E Minerals
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The animal that is doing the hunting is called the predator, while the animal being hunted is the prey.
Not all predators are big animals, and they're not
always bigger than their prey.
Predators and Prey
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The introduction of predators into a new area can reduce or eliminate whole populations of organisms.
Introduction of Predators
When humans brought a new snake to Guam, all of the native species suffered. Guam lost all of their populations of sea birds, 13 species of
forest birds, 3 native mammals and 6 types of lizards.
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Wolves were removed from the Yellowstone region, which led to an increase in elk herds and other animals. Since the wolves were
not there to hunt, the entire ecosystem changed.
With no wolves, the number of elk increased. The elk began eating all of the tree saplings, causing the number of Aspen and
Cottonwood trees to shrink. Also, coyote populations boomed which negatively affected red fox and pronghorn populations.
Removal of Predators
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In order to try to fix the balance of the ecosystem, wolves have been reintroduced into part of the Rocky Mountains where their populations were previously destroyed.
Bringing the wolf back into the Rockies, however, has caused a
decline in the amount of elk and coyotes, which in turn has led to more ecological changes.
Reintroduction of Predators
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Killer whales work together to isolate and kill gray whale calves.
Predatory Interactions
They feast on the carcass and push it towards shallow water to keep it from sinking. Once the body reaches the shore, bears feast on the
meat and blubber. The bears depend on the killer whales who help provided them with a much needed food source.
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Invasive Species
Also known as "non-native" or "alien" species, invasive species are plants or animals that are found outside of their natural habitat
as a result of deliberate or accidental introduction by humans.
These new species can disrupt the ecosystem by dominating the native species' habitats and/or causing competition for
food sources.
Invasive species
food source
Native species
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The Problem with Invasive Species
You would think that bringing more animals or plants into an environment would be a good thing, but that is not the case in this
situation.
The problem with bringing in an invasive species is that the native species don't know how to respond. This can lead to invasive species having no predators, eating up the food supply, and
growing at an out-of-control rate.
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Kudzu (An Invasive Plant Species)
Also known as the "mile-a-minute vine," the Kudzu Vine is naturally found in
Japan, but was brought to the US in 1876 in an
attempt to help prevent soil erosion.
Since its introduction, Kudzu has spread
150,000+ acres per year due to the fact that it's
vines can grow up to a foot per day. The images
show the rapid growth of the vine.
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Round Goby (An Invasive Animal Species)
This species was accidentally introduced to the North American Great Lakes in 1990.
The Round Gody is an aggressive fish and steals the food of native animals as well as their shelter and nesting sites. Round Gobies also eat the eggs of native fish, many of which are important to the fishing
industry.
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Adaptations
Adaptations are special features that allow a plant or animal to live in a particular place or habitat.
Organisms develop adaptations in order to help them survive in different environments.
Cactus adaptations for a desert biome. Marine life adaptations for an ocean biome.
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Species AdaptationsSpecies can adapt the way that their bodies look as well as the way
that they behave in order to survive.
Ways in which species can change their appearance include:
- Fur- Change in beak shape- Webbed feet- Sharp claws
Changes in a species' behavior can include:
- Migration- Hibernation- Camouflage
These are called anatomical adaptations.
These are called behavioraladaptations.
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Adaptations that help organisms survive in their specific habitat might make it very difficult for the plant or animal to
survive in a different place. This explains why certain organisms are found in one area, but not in another.
Specific Adaptations
Oh, boy! It sure is hot out here!
Nice day for a swim!
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Organisms develop adaptations that allow them to withstand and strive in the planets harshest environments.
Adapting to Extremes
.
Mountain Goats have adapted to live at higher elevations where oxygen
levels are lower.
Flamingos have adapted to tolerate the acidic
waters of lakes where brine flies live.
Arctic plants have adapted to live at cold conditions by growing low to the ground
and being coated by wax to protect against the wind.
Cacti have adapted to dry environments by being
able to store water.
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13 Which of the following is most likely to happen if a new predator is introduced into an ecosystem?
A Existing populations of organisms will increase
B Existing organisms with overcome the predator
C Existing populations of organisms will decrease
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14 A/An ___________ is a special feature that allows a plant or animal to live in a particular place or habitat.A Accommodation
B Adaptation
C Invasive Species
D Carrying Capacity
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15 A specific adaptation is a change in an organism's ability to access resources in its environment. A True
B False
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Without Oxygen, animals would not be able to get any energy from the things they ate!
Oxygen (O2) is released by plants and used by animals. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is released by animals and used by plants. This is
an important relationship.
Plants and Animals Rely on Each Other
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In an interdependent relationship, organisms depend on each other to obtain energy and survive. This means
that one organism cannot live without the other.
Interdependent Relationships
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Commensalism Mutualism Parasitism
There are three types of symbiotic relationships
A symbiotic relationship is an interaction between two different species within the same ecosytem.
Symbiotic Relationships
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Mutualism refers to a relationship between two different organisms of different species in which they both benefit.
As we just saw, plants and animals are in a mutualistic symbiotic
relationship. Plants take in CO2 and give off O2, where animals take in O2
and release CO2.
Mutualism
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More Examples of Mutualism
Bees collect nectar from flowers to make honey, and they also carry pollen on their hairy bodies which helps to pollinate other flowers.
The oxpecker eats ticks, flies and other insects from the zebra's back. The bird also flies away letting out a screech when predators are near, warning the zebra of danger.
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Commensalism is a relationship between two organisms of different species where one benefits and the other is unaffected.
Barnacles often stick to whales so that they can travel to new sources of food.
This neither helps nor harms the whale.
Birds build nests in trees to keep their eggs safe from many predators.
Their presence does not affect the tree.
Commensalism
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Parasitism is a relationship between two different species in which one organism (the parasite) benefits while the other (the
host) is harmed in some way.
Tapeworms can infect the digestive tracts of an animal and steal nutrients, essentially
starving the host.
Mosquitos feed on human blood and can also infect their host with illnesses such as Malaria.
Parasitism
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Knowing how the food chain and life cycle works helps us understand how delicate the balance is within any ecosystem.
But what happens when the ecosystem becomes unbalanced?
Balancing Act
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decomposers
primaryconsumers
consumers
consumers
secondary
tertiary
Picture a metal chain - each link is connected and dependent on the links on either side of it.
The same goes for food chains. Each organism, or "link" in the chain, is affected
by the resources below it and above it in the chain.
It's All Connected
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sunlight
nutrient rich soil
clean water
clean airplants
animals
decomposersminerals
habitats
climate
Now picture a web. It can be delicate because any disruption could cause the whole thing to collapse. Food webs and the
balance within an ecosystem can be just as fragile.
Food webs, along with the relationships between all biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem, are interrelated much in the same way.
Many Factors Involved
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There are many things that can affect the balance of all the factors within an ecosystem.
Can you think of any?
What Could Cause Unbalance?
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16 Which of the following is not a type of symbiotic relationship:
A mutualism
B liberalism
C parisitism
D commensalism
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17 In a parasitic relationship, both species benefit.
True
False
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18 Bees collecting nectar from flowers while cross-pollinating other flowers is an example of which type of symbiotic relationship?
A mutualism
B parasitism
C commensalism
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19 Ecosystems are very stable and changing one factor does not tend to affect the overall balance and flow.
True
False
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(energy)
Food Chain
The transfer of energy and nutrients from one organism to another makes up a food chain.
Food chains show just one path for the energy.
Food Chains
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Producers are organisms in an ecosystem that make food for other organisms. Most commonly these are plants which get their energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
Consumers are animals that eat other organisms to gain energy.
Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms. These are most commonly bacteria and fungi.
(Types of consumers: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary)
Food Chain Review
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As energy moves throughout the food webs it does so as atoms. Atoms are the small building blocks that make up all matter. They are
the smallest particle of an element.
There are 90 naturally occurring atoms and scientists have created 25 more.
Atoms
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Atoms of both the living and nonliving things in an ecosystem are repeatedly transferred. As the atoms move along they
transfer energy and nutrients.
Cycle of Atoms
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A food web is a series of food chains that interact within the
same ecosystem.
Food webs show many
different paths the
energy can take.
Food Webs
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Food Webs Practice
Click here for some Fun With Food Webs!
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Each step of the web involves the transfer of atoms in and out of the physical environment. Life cycles within an ecosystem
are dependent on energy passing through the food web.
When we think about food chains and food webs, we picture plants and animals and a sequence of who eats who.
Energy Transfer in Food Webs
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The initial energy in all food webs is transferred from the sun to the producers. This energy (as well as the plant's matter) then travels to the consumers and eventually to decomposers. The decomposers return
nutrients to the soil so that they can be absorbed by plants again.
Energy Flow in Food Webs
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If it was possible to label a single Carbon atom, for example,we could track it cycling
through the entire food chain.
Matter Cycles Through the Food Web
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The same can be said about an atom cycling through an
aquatic food web.
Matter Cycles Through an Aquatic Food Web
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Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy in plants. Through this process, energy is introduced to the food web.
Organisms are dependent upon plants as a source of energy.
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(100,000 units of energy)
heat
heat
heat
heat
heat
Energy in an ecosystem flows from the bottom up. The energy gathered from the sun in photosynthesis provides
energy for an entire ecosystem.
Energy Pyramid
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Unused energy is recycled back into the
food web through decomposers.
What happens to animal waste and dead animal or plant matter?
Unused Energy
Click to reveal answer
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Decomposition
Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, break down animal waste as well as dead plants and animals into atoms, that
recombine into different molecules and nutrients. This both enriches the soil for new plants (producers) to grow, and keeps
waste from piling up within an ecosystem.
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Aquatic Decomposers
Decomposition also occurs in water. Nutrients and energy is released back into the ecosystem providing energy and resources.
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The process of decomposition can be considered the final link in the cycle of matter and energy flowing through an ecosystem.
decomposition
When the cycle begins again, the atoms from the previous generations of plants and animals will be made into new plant matter.
Decomposition Completes the Cycle
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20 A food web contains only one example of of the transfer of energy from one organism to another.
True
False
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21 Which of the following is a way energy and nutrients are introduced into the food cycle? Select all that apply.
A Adaptation of an organism
B Plants use solar energy for photosynthesis.
C Consumption of a producer by a consumer
D Decomposition of dead organisms.
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22 The arrows in this diagram point in the direction the energy is flowing.
True
False
(energy)
Food Chain
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23 Energy always flows from the bottom up
A True
B False