Lesson Objectives
1. Define an ecosystem, in their own words.
2. Give at least 3 examples of types of ecosystems.
3. Differentiate between abiotic and biotic factors in an
ecosystem.
4. Describe and provide examples of symbiotic relationships in
nature. Namely, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
ECOSYSTEM
● The community of organisms, plus the nonliving
parts of the environment (air, water soil, light,
etc.).
● Ecosystems are made up of living and nonliving
components.
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS
DESERT (HOT/DRY CLIMATES) AQUATIC (MARINE - SALT WATER) AQUATIC (FRESH WATER)
SAVANNA (GRASSLANDS)
TUNDRA (COLD/DRY CLIMATES)
RAINFOREST
The living (biotic) aspects of an ecosystem, including The physical (abiotic) aspects of ecosystems, this includes
all the living things that organism interacts with. the non-living aspects that organism interacts with.
WHY ARE BIOTIC AND
ABIOTIC FACTORS
IMPORTANT IN ECOSYSTEMS?
1. BIOTIC FACTORS- The interactions between biotic
factors are necessary for reproduction of each species
and to use others for food, nutrient cycling (carbon cycle,
water cycle etc.) etc.
2. ABIOTIC FACTORS - These provide stable living
conditions for organisms. Sunlight helps plant growth,
water feeds animals and plants, some organisms can
only thrive at certain temperatures etc.
Relationships in an Ecosystem
Mutualism
• A symbiotic relationship where two organisms of different
species work together and both benefit from the relationship.
Fig 2.27: The birds obtain
food from the ticks and
insects found on the body of
the ox thus helping the ox to
get rid of these parasites.
Relationships in an Ecosystem
Fig 2.29: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria found
in the root nodules of leguminous
plants such as the pea plant help the
plant to obtain nitrogen in a process
called nitrogen fixation. The plants in
turn provide nutrients and shelter for
the bacteria.
Clownfish get a hiding
place; anemone get food
Bacteria from predators clown fish Bees get
attract.
get food + food
shelter; (nectar);
plant gets flower gets
nitrogen to pollinated
make food.
Humans Fungi
provide
Wasp gets food;
provide
place to lay bacteria water and
eggs; fig help to minerals;
digest algae
gets food.
pollinated. provide food.
Commensalism
• A symbiotic relationship where where two organisms of different
species live together, but one organism benefits and the other
neither benefits nor gets harmed.
Fig 2.25: The sea anemone protects
the clownfish from the predators as
most fish avoid the poisonous
tentacles of the sea anemone. The
clown fish have special mucus on
their bodies which prevents them
from getting stung. They have no
effect on the sea anemone.
EXAMPLES OF COMMENSALISM
Parasitism
• A symbiotic relationship in which one organism, the parasite, lives off
of and benefits from another organism, the host, while the host is
harmed in the process, possibly leading to death.
• A parasite lives on or in the body of the host.
• Common parasites are viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, flatworms
(tapeworms and flukes), nematodes, insects (fleas, lice), and arachnids
(ticks, mites).
tapeworm Fungus - ringworm
ECOSYSTEMS WORKSHEET
Instructions: Answer the following questions:
Part A: Abiotic and Biotic Factors
1. Define "abiotic factors" and provide three examples.
a) _________________ b) _________________ c) _________________
2. Define "biotic factors" and provide three examples.
a) _________________ b) _________________ c) _________________
3. In which category (abiotic or biotic) would you classify the following: a)
Sunlight b) Grass c) Temperature d) Fish e) Rocks
a) _________________ b) _________________ c) _________________ d)
_________________ e) _________________
Part B: Symbiotic Relationships
1. Define "symbiosis" in the context of ecological relationships.
2. Provide an example of mutualism in nature and explain how
both organisms benefit from the relationship.
3. Explain commensalism and provide an example.
4. Describe parasitism and give an example of a parasitic
relationship.
Part C: Applying Knowledge
1. An alligator lives in a river in a tropical rainforest. Suggest some of the biotic and
abiotic factors that influence its life and state how these factors are important to the
alligator.
2. Explain whether this relationship is an example of mutualism, commensalism, or
parasitism, and state why.
3. In a deciduous forest ecosystem, you observe squirrels living in oak trees.
4. A wasp stings a spider and takes it to its nest where it lays an egg on the spider.
The egg hatches into a larva and the larva eats the spider as a source of food.
5. Remora attaching to sharks and eating parasites off of the sharks' skin
