JC Science Ecology

Page 3: What are ecosystems and habitats?

  • Ecology: Study of interactions between plants and animals and their environment.

  • Ecosystem: A complex network comprising plants, animals, and other organisms interacting within their environment.

  • Major ecosystems examples:

    • Deserts: Characterized by limited rainfall, extreme temperatures, and specialized flora and fauna.

Page 4: Tropical Rainforests

  • Tropical Rainforests: High biodiversity, warm and wet climate, significant habitat for countless species.

Page 5: Grasslands

  • Grasslands: Dominated by grasses, with few trees; support diverse wildlife specially adapted to live in open landscapes.

Page 6: Seashores

  • Seashores: Coastal ecosystems where land meets the ocean; home to various marine and terrestrial species.

Page 7: Understanding Habitats

  • Habitats: Specific local areas within ecosystems where organisms reside.

  • Examples:

    • Grassland

    • Rocky seashore

    • Bog

    • School field

    • Hedgerow

    • Woodland

    • Local park

    • Pond

  • Focus of this PowerPoint: Grassland Habitat.

Page 8: Conducting Habitat Studies

  • Fieldwork: Essential method for studying habitats, preferably conducted across different seasons to observe changes.

  • Countryside Code: Important regulations to follow during habitat studies.

Page 9: The Countryside Code

  • Guidelines include:

    • Obtain permissions for private property

    • Close gates behind you

    • Avoid disturbing livestock

    • Do not damage property (gates, fences, crops)

    • Avoid lighting fires

    • Ensure to not leave litter

    • Strive to ‘leave only footprints and take only memories’.

Page 10: Steps to Conduct Habitat Study

  1. Map the habitat: Draw or photograph key features.

  2. Measure environmental features: Record non-living aspects—abiotic factors.

  3. Identify organisms present: Name and document species.

  4. Collect unidentified samples: For examination later.

  5. Estimate plant numbers: Through sampling techniques.

Page 11: Mapping the Habitat

  • Create a simple map showing significant features:

    • walls

    • fences

    • ponds

    • large trees

    • hedges

    • paths.

Page 12: Measuring Environmental Features

  • Abiotic factors: Non-living elements in a habitat critical for organisms.

  • Essential measurements and tools:

    • Temperature: Use thermometer or data logger.

    • Light Intensity: Measure with light meter.

    • Soil pH: Utilize pH meter or universal indicator paper.

    • Wind Direction: Employ ribbon and compass.

    • Rainfall: Measure with a rain gauge.

Page 16: Identifying Organisms

  • Identification: Ideally done on-site; consult identification keys and resources if necessary.

  • Removal from habitat: Should be minimized unless identification isn’t possible on-site.

Page 17: Collecting Organisms for Identification

  • Techniques:

    • Plants are easy to collect; do not move.

    • Slow-moving animals can be captured easily.

    • Mobile animals often require trapping techniques.

Page 22: Estimating Plant Numbers

  • Sampling method: Use a quadrat to estimate plant frequency rather than counting all.

  • Quadrat details:

    • Size varies (e.g., 0.5 m or 0.25 m frames).

    • Constructed from various materials (wood, metal, plastic).

Page 23: Adaptations

  • Definition: Structures or behaviors aiding organism survival in habitats.

  • Importance: Adaptations contribute to survival, reproduction, and evolution through natural selection.

Page 24: Grassland Organism Adaptations

  • Examples:

    • Primroses bloom early for sunlight advantage.

    • Grass growth from the base, enabling resilience to grazing.

    • Grasses’ branched roots stabilize against being uprooted.

    • Caterpillars mimic plant colors for camouflage.

    • Butterflies’ long mouthparts for nectar extraction.

Page 25: What is Competition?

  • Competition definition: Organisms vying for limited resources.

  • In habitat context:

    • Animals vie for space, food, water, mates.

    • Plants compete for light, space, water, minerals.

Page 27: Interdependence

  • Definition: Organisms’ reliance on one another for survival.

  • Examples:

    • Animals feed on plants (e.g., rabbits on grass).

    • Plants rely on animals for pollination (e.g., bees for flowers).

Page 29: Food Interdependence

  • Organism categories:

    • Producers: Make their own food—green plants (e.g., grasses, flowers).

    • Consumers: Organisms that intake food; categorized as herbivores, carnivores, omnivores.

Page 34: Decomposers

  • Definition: Organisms that break down dead matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

  • Examples: Woodlice, earthworms, bacteria, fungi.

Page 35: What is a Food Chain?

  • Definition: Organisms’ linear feeding relationships illustrating energy and nutrient flow.

  • Example: Grass → Rabbit → Fox.

Page 41: Energy Flow in Ecosystems

  • Primary Source: Energy from the Sun, transforming into food via photosynthesis.

  • Flow Dynamics: Energy transitions through organisms in a food chain, with loss at each stage.

Page 47: Conclusion on Ecosystem Functions

  • Summary: In ecosystems, energy flows while matter is cycled.