Ecosystems

Definition: an ecosystem is a complex, self-regulating system in which biotic and

abiotic things interact with each other.

Self-Regulating means….

• That the interactions that occur within the ecosystems keep it healthy and sustainable– The interactions that occur are between biotic and

abiotic components of the ecosystem

• Ecosystems vary in size (from a drop of water to the entire ocean)

• Size is NOT important – what matters is whether the ecosystem is a complete system– Does it have????• Organisms within it• Matter to help the organisms live• Abiotic factors – sunlight for example

Is this drop of water a complete ecosystem?

Yes!• Contains bacteria and

microscopic algae• Contains matter for the

organisms to live• Receives sunlight – provides

energy for the algae to grow• As new bacteria are

produced, some die, and are recycled to provide nourishment for the living bacteria

Ecosystems can exist within larger ecosystems

A Forest Ecosystem has a…• Stream ecosystem• Rotting log ecosystem• Soil ecosystem• Living tree ecosystem• Living plant ecosystem• Water drop ecosystem

All these ecosystems are interconnected, and the forest ecosystem is also part of a larger ecosystem.

• Similar ecosystems combine to form… biomes.• A biome is a large geographical region that

contains similar ecosystems– On land they are grouped by the types of plants

and their climate• Canada has 5 types of “terrestrial” (land based) biomes

– Deciduous forests, boreal forests, tundra, grasslands, temperate coniferous forests

– In the water there are two main groups: marine and freshwater

World Biomes