the organization of life
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The Organization of Life. Ecosystems and Diversity Chapter 4. Ecosystem. All of the organisms living in an area together with their physical environment 2 types of ecosystems Aquatic- water Terrestrial- land. Survival. In order to survive, an ecosystem needs 5 basic components - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Organization
of LifeEcosystems and Diversity
Chapter 4
Ecosystem
All of the organisms living in an area together with their physical environment
2 types of ecosystemsAquatic- waterTerrestrial- land
SurvivalIn order to survive, an ecosystem
needs 5 basic components 1. Energy- usually from the sun 2. Mineral nutrients 3. Water 4. Oxygen 5. Living organisms
Factors
Biotic factors- the living and once living parts of an ecosystem
Abiotic factors- The nonliving parts of the ecosystem (air, water, rocks)
Components of an Ecosystem
Organism- a living thing (multi-celled or single celled); anything that can carry out life processes independently
All organisms live in a particular place called a habitat
For example:Cactus live in the desertDolphins live in the ocean
Components
Species- organisms that are closely related and are capable of producing fertile offspring
Population- members of the same species living in the same area at the same time
Community- two or more populations living in the same area at the same time
o Ecosystem- all the organisms living in an environment; includes abiotic and biotic factors
o Biosphere - The Earth- All land, water and air where life exists
Diversity of Living Things
*Classify organisms by fossil records *Evolutionary Characteristics *Hierarchy of Matter: atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and
organism
6 Kingdoms
o Archaebacteria Eubacteria Fungi Protists Plants Animals
Biodiversity
The number and variety (sum) of all organisms in a given area
Approx 2 million known species (most insects)
Estimate more than 9 million not yet discovered
Benefits of Biodiversity
Stability of ecosystems and sustainability of populations
Balances energy and nutrients/food security
Increases genetic diversity and decreases chances of genetic disease
Biodiversity at Risk
Extinction - the last member of a species dies and the species ceases to exist (can be a natural event)
Extirpation – the extinction of a certain population from a given area, but not the entire species globally
Causes of Biological Loss
Invasive/Exotic Species (species not belong in area)
PollutionOver-harvesting, Hunting, and
PoachingClimate change**Habitat destruction, loss, and
fragmentation = BIGGEST THREAT
Ways to Save Biodiversity
Captive Breeding Programs Preserving Genetic Material (storing to
be used in future)Artificial Selection (done under human
direction)Zoos , Parks, Aquariums, and GardensConservation
Areas of Critical Biodiversity
Hotspots – pinpoint areas of high diversity; support an especially great diversity of endemic (native) species
Examples:Tropical Rain ForestsCoral Reefs and Coral EcosystemsIslands