Ecosystems

MR. HENDY INDUSTRIES

What is Ecology?
Ecology is the study of
relationships between living
things and between living
things and their environment
What is an Ecosystem?
An Ecosystem is a system of
living things that interact
with each other and with the
physical world
Guiding Next, we are going to look at
some images of different
Question ecosystems

What key
differences do After we look and discuss, we
you notice are going to write down some
about the animals that inhabit (live in)
various those different ecosystems
ecosystems?
 Desert
This ecosystem is characterized by its very small amount of rainfall per year. Not all deserts are sandy and hot, the tundra (where
it is cold and snowy) is also technically a desert. Deserts are very hard to live in and support very little life.
 Rainforest
A rainforest is characterized by its extreme amount of rainfall per year. Rainforests support the most abundant variety and
number of living things on earth.
 Ocean
Oceans cover 71% of our entire planet. They are the largest ecosystem on earth. Because they are so large, and in some parts so
deep, oceans support various amounts of living things.
 Grassland
Grasslands are usually large, open, somewhat flat areas. These ecosystems support many different kinds of life especially large
animals because of the abundant food and water.
 Taiga
Taiga is characterized by cold, wet, coniferous forests. 90% of Canada is taiga. It is also the largest land ecosystem on earth. Taiga
regions support a wide variety of life: usually small animals. Taiga produces 80% of the breathable oxygen on earth.
 Tundra
Tundra is characterized by very cold and harsh weather conditions. There is so little food and water that almost no life lives
exclusively on tundra.
 Temperate Forests
Temperate forests are characterized by their deciduous trees (trees that have leaves and not needles) and abundant life.
Southern Canada and most of the Eastern United States is covered by temperate forests.
So
What did we
notice was
different
between the
various
ecosystems?
Ecosystems dont need to be large
Ecosystems can significantly vary in size; from almost an
entire continent, to a small rain puddle
Can we create our own
ecosystem definition?