Introduction to Ecosystems

The foundation of ecosystems lies in the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic components. These interactions shape the relationships between organisms and their environment, creating diverse ecological networks.

Definition: An ecosystem encompasses all the living organisms and their physical environment in a given area, interacting as a system.

Example: In predator-prey relationships, such as wolves hunting deer, the predator feeds on the prey, creating a natural balance in population control.

Vocabulary: Symbiosis refers to close, long-term interactions between different species, manifesting in three main forms: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Highlight: Resource partitioning plays a crucial role in reducing competition between species by allowing them to utilize resources differently, whether through timing, location, or method of use.

Nutrient Cycles

The nitrogen and phosphorus cycles represent essential nutrient movements through ecosystems, supporting life processes and ecological balance.

Definition: Nitrogen fixation converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, primarily through bacterial activity.

Highlight: Phosphorus, unlike nitrogen, lacks an atmospheric component, making it naturally scarce in many ecosystems and often a limiting factor in biological systems.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The carbon cycle demonstrates the movement of carbon through various reservoirs in the environment, playing a crucial role in climate regulation and life processes.

Vocabulary: Carbon sinks are reservoirs that store carbon compounds for varying periods, from short-term storage in plants to long-term storage in fossil fuels.

Example: During photosynthesis, plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds, while cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Highlight: The burning of fossil fuels rapidly releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, significantly impacting global carbon cycles.