Tuesday, June 11, 2013

8. Concept Map

Ecosystems


I.       Definition of an Ecosystem


What is an Ecosystem?

http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange1/current/lectures/kling/ecosystem/ecosystem.html

An ecosystem is a biological community which exists in some location and has certain characteristics depending on the type of ecosystem or biome present.  Ecosystems are made up of both living organisms and nonliving components.  Living organisms and nonliving components interact with one another through certain processes: webs, systems, and cycles of many kinds.  Within the community of living organisms, scientists consider the impact of the individual, the population, and the community of each each ecosystem.  Because the ecosystems are linked with one another and cover the Earth's surface, it is important for us to take care of our environment.


A.    Interact through webs, systems, and cycles


B.    Living Organisms


C.    Nonliving Components


II.     Freshwater


Freshwater

http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/freshwater.html

Freshwater ecosystems make up a very small area of the Earth's surface at about 1.8%.  Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams are all freshwater ecosystems.  Lakes and ponds are typically surrounded by land; rivers and streams are moving bodies of water that eventually connect with the ocean.  Freshwater ecosystems are home to a variety of types of animals, plants, and insects which interact with each other through various systems.


A.    Small area of Earth's surface (1.8%)


B.    Freshwater Animals


C.    Webs, Systems, Cycles


III.       Terrestrial
(Land)


Terrestrial Biomes

http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/terrestrial-biomes-13236757

Terrestrial biomes make up approximately 23% of the Earth's surface.  There are seven major types of biomes: tropical rainforest, savanna, desert, temperate grassland, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, and tundra.  There are other types of terrestrial biomes as well, but they are not as prominently featured.  The location of a particular biome type is determined in part by latitude on the Earth's surface and in part by the amount of rainfall the location receives.  As with other biomes, different systems influence the characteristics of each terrestrial biome, including the water cycle and the food chain.


A.    7 Major Types (Biomes)


1.    Savanna


2.    Desert


3.    Deciduous Forest


4.    Coniferous Forest


5.    Tropical Rainforest


6.    Tundra


7.    Temperate Grassland


B.    Webs, Systems, Cycles


C.    About 23% of Earth's Surface


D.    Other Biome Types


E.    Location: Latitude and Rainfall


IV.    Ocean


Ocean

http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/marine.html

Ocean biomes make up the largest part of the Earth's surface at 75%.  The ocean biomes include five large oceans and many smaller gulfs and bays.  Ocean biomes differ from Freshwater biomes in two main ways:  Ocean biomes have a high salt content in the water, and ocean biomes can be divided into three vertical sections: shallows, deep ocean surface, and deep ocean.  The ocean can be very cold with few nutrients, but it also supports an incredible variety of animal and plant species.  As with other ecosystems, living and nonliving components interact with one another through systems and cycles such as the water cycle.


A.    Large area of Earth's surface (75%)


B.    3 Types of  Oceanic Systems


1.    Shallow


2.    Deep Ocean


3.    Deep Ocean Surface


C.    Webs, Systems, Cycles


V.     Protecting the Ecosystems


Protecting the Ecosystems

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917132148.htm

Why is protecting our ecosystems so important?  In addition to providing beautiful places for recreational activities such as hiking or fishing, our ecosystems help to keep our planet in balance.  The water cycle distributes water around the world; with so little fresh water available for consumption, shouldn't we protect it?  Plants and animals matter too - each one has a part to play in the food chain and the life cycle.  Nutrients pass from the earth into plants, animals, and people, then return to the earth.  If our planet becomes polluted or a system becomes unbalanced, it hurts everyone.


A.    Conservation


B.    Recycling

No comments:

Post a Comment