Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of ecosystems, explaining how living and non-living things interact, and compares major types of land ecosystems: desert, tropical rainforest, and temperate deciduous forest.
What is an Ecosystem?
- An ecosystem is an environment where living (plants, animals) and non-living (weather, soil) things interact.
- Ecosystems can vary in size from small (puddle) to very large (biome, Earth).
Desert Ecosystem
- Found in desert biomes, where there is very little rain and the environment is very dry.
- Plants like cacti have adaptations such as spines and special coverings to conserve water.
- Desert animals store water in their bodies or get water from their food.
- Soil in deserts is dry and plants/animals must adapt to limited water.
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem
- Located in tropical rainforest biomes with high rainfall and warm temperatures all year.
- Plants and animals do not need to store water since it is abundant.
- Rainforest soil is moist but not nutrient-rich, as nutrients are quickly absorbed by many plants.
- Snakes and other animals thrive due to plentiful prey.
Temperate Deciduous Forest Ecosystem
- Found in regions with four seasons and large temperature changes throughout the year.
- Plants and animals must adapt to seasonal changes, such as migrating or hibernating in winter.
- Rich soil because plants are spaced farther apart, so nutrients are less depleted.
- Interactions between living and non-living things change depending on the season.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ecosystem — An environment where living and non-living things interact.
- Biome — A large community of plants and animals occupying a major habitat.
- Adaptation — A change by which a species becomes better suited to its environment.
- Temperate Deciduous Forest — A forest ecosystem with four distinct seasons and trees that lose leaves annually.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Discuss with someone else other examples of ecosystems where living and non-living things interact.