ESS 2.1.1 and 2.1.2

Biosphere

The global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including interactions with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms and their non-living environment functioning as a single unit.

Community

A group of populations of different species that live in the same area and interact with each other.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area, capable of interbreeding.

Individual

The smallest unit in the ecological hierarchy, a single organism capable of independent survival.

Significance of the Biosphere

All of Earth's life-supporting zones, providing essential resources like air, water, and soil - vital for conservation, resource management, and climate action.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring; the largest gene pool under natural conditions.

Example of Species

Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) - Raja is an individual Bengal Tiger living in the Sundarbans mangrove forest.

Species Model

A conservation approach focusing on protecting individual species, particularly endangered or economically important ones.

Issues with the species model

Include challenges like neglecting ecosystem health, overlooking interspecies relationships, and focusing solely on single species conservation.

Population Dynamics: Herbivore

More plants = more food. Consumers keep plant population in check and balance trophic level

Migration Hibernation Reproduce in spring/summer

Plants develop defects such as spines and toxins. Consumers develop tolerance to toxins. Plants produce fruit for seed dispersal

Population Dynamics: Predators

Predators regulate prey populations, influencing ecosystem balance and biodiversity. (negative feedback)

Nocturnal, Underground, Tree climbing Stalking/hunting behaviours

Features to help any of the examples e.g. night vision, big ears, extra senses such as whiskers or electro. Long limbs, claws, Binocular vision etc. Adaptation to extreme environments.

Population Dynamics: Parasitism

Parasitism affects host populations by reducing their health and reproductive success (fleas, ticks and worms)

Washing of food Eating of leaves or bark toxic to parasites scratching / grooming

Reproductive cycle of parasites to allow infection of new hosts such as sticky eggs, fast moving. Cleaner species - oxpecker birds.

Population Dynamics: Mutualism

Mutualism enhances the survival and reproduction of both species involved, often leading to increased population stability and ecosystem health.

Population Dynamics: Disease

Diseases can decrease host populations by causing mortality and impairing reproduction, leading to shifts in community dynamics.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem that affect living organisms, including climate, nutrients, and pH.

Biotic Factors

Living components of ecosystems that include all organisms and their interactions.

Habitat

The specific environment where an organism lives, providing the necessary conditions for survival.

Population Interactions

The relationships between populations, including predation, mutualism, parasitism, and competition.

Predator

An organism that hunts and consumes another organism for food.

Prey

An organism that is hunted and eaten by a predator.

Producer

Organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Consumer

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms, classified into different levels based on their dietary habits.

Mutualism

A type of interaction where two species benefit from each other.

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, often harming the host.

Pathogen

An organism, such as bacteria or viruses, that causes disease in its host.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean air, water purification, and pollination.