ESS TOPIC 2 - THE ECOSYSTEM

ESS TOPIC 2 - THE ECOSYSTEM

1. Biotic and Abiotic Components

   • Biotic refers to the living components within an ecosystem (the community).
   • Abiotic refers to the non-living factors of the ecosystem (the environment). Ecosystems can be divided into 3 types, and each ecosystem type has its own specific abiotic factors
     • Measuring Abiotic components of an ecosystem
       • Light can be measured using a light meter
       • Use an electronic thermometer with probes so you can measure in soil, water and air.
       • Wind can be measured by observinf the effects of wind on objects
       • pH can be measured using a pH meter or a datalogging probe. Soil pH can be measured using a soil-test kit. Should be cleaned after every use.
     • Freshwater (rivers, lakes and wetlands): turbidity, flow velocity and pH
     • Terrestrial (land based): temperature, light intensity, wind speed, particle size, slope, soil moisture, drainage, mineral content
     • Marine (the sea, estuaries, salt marshes and mangroves): salinity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, wave action

2. Definitions

   • Species: a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
   • Population: a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time, which are capable of interbreeding.
   • Ecosystem(s): is a community of interdependent organisms and the physical environment that thet inhabit.
   • Habitat: this refers to the environment in which a species normally lives.
   • Niche: an ecological niche is best be described as where, when and how and organism lives. An organism's niche depends not only on its habitat, but what it does.
   • Community: a group of populations living and interacting with each other in a common habitat.