Ecosystems and Factors: Study Guide

Summary

An ecosystem is a system of living organisms and their physical environment. This document explains the parts of an ecosystem, how they interact and how ecosystems respond to disturbances.

What is an ecosystem

An ecosystem includes all living organisms and their physical environment. It is made up of plants, animals, microorganisms, soil, rocks, minerals, water sources and the local atmosphere.

Biotic and abiotic factors

Biotic factors are living components within an environment. Abiotic factors are non-living chemical or physical factors in the environment. Both are important in an ecosystem.

Natural disturbances

Natural disturbances are events that cause a disruption to the current state of an ecosystem. They can be short-lived or long-term. Ecosystems have an amazing ability to bounce back from a disturbance.

Ecosystem functions

Ecosystems use energy and cycle matter. Energy flows through ecosystems in terms of trophic levels. Ecosystems require a continuous flow of high-quality energy to maintain their structure and function.

Key terms

biotic factors

Living components within an environment that affect other living things.

abiotic factors

Non-living chemical or physical factors in the environment.

trophic levels

The role of organisms based on their level of feeding.

biogeochemical cycles

The flow of matter between organisms and the environment.

natural disturbances

Events that cause a disruption to the current state of an ecosystem.

ecosystem functions

The processes that define how ecosystems use energy and cycle matter.

Questions this document helps with

• What are the main parts of an ecosystem?
• How do biotic and abiotic factors interact?
• What happens to an ecosystem after a natural disturbance?

Summary written with AI from the document's text.