Ecosystems

• Ecosystems

  = Is made up of all the living organisms that interact with one another in a defined area.

  • All ecosystems are dynamic (constantly changing) this is a result of the living organisms present and the environmental conditions.
• Biotic factors

  = Living factors.

  • Competition, food, territory, mates.
• Abiotic factors

  = Non-living factors.

  • Light= required for photosynthesis, plants grow more, animals can be supported. Plants adapted= large leaves, chloroplast.
  •  Temperature= effects enzymes controling metabolic reactions. Can trigger migration, hibernation, leaf fall, dormancy, flowering. Plants developed faster in warmer temps.
  • Water availability= lack of water leads to water stress or death, can cause plants to wilt as water is needed to keep plants turgid.
  • Oxygen availability= aquatic ecosystems need fast flowing cold water as it contains higher O2 concentration for respiration.
• Abiotic factors

  Soil factors= clay=fine particles, easily waterlogged, forms clumps when wet. Loam= different sized particles, retains water but not waterlogged. Sandy= coarse well separated large particles, free draining.