DYNAMIC ECOSYSTEM

ATLASIANS
1. SHARIFAH AMIRAH 2. FARIHAH 3. IZZAH ATHIRAH 4. AISYAH HANISAH

ABIOTIC & BIOTIC COMPONENTS

An ecosystem is a system formed by the interaction of living organisms with one another and with their environment.

Examples : forest,grassland,pond,field,lake and sea An ecosystem consists of two components : a)Abiotic components (physical factors) b)Biotic components (biological factors)

Abiotic components are the non-living components Biotic components are the in the ecosystem such as living components in the ecosystem such as plants air, water, soil, and animals temperature & light intensity

THE ABIOTIC COMPONENTS

In any ecosystem, abiotic components such as pH, temperature, light intensity, humidity, topography & microclimate determine the population size and distribution of the biotic components.

The pH value of the soil and water affects the distribution of organisms

a) Most organisms live in a neutral or nearly neutral environment (pH 6-7.5). b) Some plants, like the maize, grows well in an acidic condition while coconuts grow well in an alkaline condition. LIGHT INTENSITY AFFECTS THE RATE OF PHOTOSYNTESIS AND GROWTH a) The distribution of green plants will be more extensive in areas with higher light intensity b) All organisms that live in soil prefer a dark environment where the light intensity is low

TEMPERATURE AFFECTS THE PHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS IN THE ORGANISMS. a) Organisms can live within a certain range of temperature b) Plants and animals have specific characteristics to help them adapt to areas of extreme temperature

HUMIDITY AFFECTS THE RATE OF WATER LOSS BY PLANTS AND ANIMALS.

a) Usually higher at night but lower during the day b) Some organisms prefer humid areas e.g : snakes, frogs c) Woodlice regulate their activities to prevent dehydration

TOPOGRAPHY REFERS TO THE SHAPE OF THE EARTHS SURFACE.

a) Topography of a place determines the temperature, light intensity & humidity in an area b) Three topography factors that affect the distribution of organisms are altitude, slope (gradient) & aspect

MICROCLIMATE REFERS TO THE CLIMATE IN A MICROHABITAT. a) Microclimate has specific temperature, humidity and light intensity within its small habitat b) Each type of organisms finds a habitat that has a microclimate that is suitable for it

THE BIOTIC COMPONENTS

Classified into 3 groups :

1) Producers The green plants are the producers because they can synthesise food through photosyntesis
2) CONSUMERS

Consumers are organisms that feed on plants or other organisms . PRIMARY = herbivores as they obtain food & energy from producers . SECONDARY = carnivores as they obtain food & energy by feeding on primary consumers . TERTIARY = carnivores as they feed on secondary consumers

3) Decomposers Decomposers are bacteria & fungi that break down waste products and dead bodies of other organisms into simpler substances

TROPHIC LEVELS

A food chain shows a sequence of organisms through which energy is transferred Each stage in a food chain is known as a trophic level Through the food chain, organisms obtain energy In an ecosystem, several food chains interact to form a network called a food web In a food chain, energy is transferred from one trophic level to another trophic level 90% of the chemical energy in the food consumed is used for its metabolic activities and lost as heat, excretory products and undigested matter Only 10% of the energy in an organism is passed on to the organism at the next trophic level

INTERACTION BETWEEN BIOTIC COMPONENTS IN RELATION TO FEEDING

Symbiosis

Symbiosis is an interaction between two organisms of different species that live together. In symbiosis, one organism will live in or with another organism called the host. The organism that interacts with the host will benefit from the interaction. Symbiosis is further classified into three types: a)Commensalisms b)Paratism c)Mutualism

i.

COMMENSALISM
Commensalisms is an interaction between two organisms where only one organism (commensal) benefits from the relationship. The other (host) is neither benefit nor harmed. Examples of commensal are epiphytes and epizoices Epiphytes are green plants which grow on other plants to obtain more sunlight and air.

Examples : Birds nest fern & pigeon orchid

Epizoics are animals which live as commensals on the outside of other animals

Examples : barnacles & remora fish

ii.

PARASITISM

Parasitism is an interaction between two organisms in which one organism (parasite) benefits and the other (host) is harmed. Two types of parasites: Ectoparasites which live on the outside of their host e.g : fleas, ticks, lice Endoparasites which live inside their host. e.g : tapeworms, flukes

iii.

MUTUALISM
Mutualism is the interaction between two organism in which both organisms benefit.

Examples of mutualism :
a) b) c)

Algae & fungi in lichen (both plants) Hermit crab & sea anemone (both animals) Rhizobium bacteria & legume plants (one animal and one plant)

Sea anemone obtains transport and leftover food from the hermit crab. The hermit crab obtains protection from its predators because of the poisonous tentacles of the sea anemone.

Saprophytism Saprophytism is an interaction in which a living organism obtains food from dead and decaying matter Saprophytes (plants which feed on decaying organic matter) Examples : saprophytic bacteria, fungi (Mucor sp.) Saprozoites (animals which feed on decaying organic matter) Examples : amoeba, opalina

Prey-predator interaction A type of interaction in which an animal (predator) hunts and eats another animal (prey). Predators are usually bigger, stronger animals with sharp vision, sharp claws & canine teeth and usually move fast The size of the prey is usually smaller than the predator but the number of prey is always more than the predator

THE INTERACTION BETWEEN BIOTIC COMPONENTS IN RELATION TO COMPETITION

Competition

is an interaction between organisms living together in a habitat & competing for the same resources that are in limited supply. Plants compete for water, light, nutrients and space. Animals compete for food, space & breeding mates

There are 2 types of competition:

Intraspecific (refers to the competition among organisms of the same species) e.g : competition among Bryophyllum sp. plant
a.

Interspecific (refers to competition among organisms of different species) e.g : competition between two species of Paramecium, P.aurelia & P.caudatum
b.

8.2 Colonisation and Succession in an Ecosystem

What is an ecosystem ?
1.

2.

An ecosystem is a dynamic system formed by the interactions of organisms with one another and with the non-living environment. It is a dynamic system where the living organisms are in balance with each other and with the abiotic components.

Habitat

A habitat is the natural environment in which an organism lives and obtains its basic resources such as food and shelter. A species is a group of organisms which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Species

Population

A population consists of organisms of the same species living in the same habitat at the same time.

Community

A community consists of different populations of plants and animals living and interacting in the habitat of an ecosystem. The niche of an organism is the roles and activities of the organism in its habitat. Two organisms sharing the same habitat may have different niches.

Niche

COLONISATION AND SUCCESSION

1.

2. 3.

4.

5.

Natural phenomena or human activities such as volcanic eruptions, fires, earthquakes and uncontrolled mining activities leave the land with no living organisms. Later, some organisms will come to occupy the bare land. The process in which living organisms arrive at a new habitat, live, reproduce and take control of the habitat is known as colonisation. The first species of organisms to colonise a new habitat is called the pioneer species. The pioneer species have special adaptations to survive in unfavourable land conditions.

6.

7.

The pioneer species gradually changes the conditions of the habitat, making it no longer suitable for itself but more suitable for other species, called the successor species. Gradually, the successor species takes over the place of the pioneer species. The process whereby a pioneer species is gradually replaced by other successor species is called succession.

8.

9.

10.

Succession will carry on until a relatively stable community is formed. This type of community is known as the climax community. In Malaysia, the tropical rainforest is the climax community. It usually takes hundreds of years to form a climax community. After that it has little or no changes in its species structure. Therefore, we should treasure our forests.

COLONISATION AND SUCCESSION IN A

MANGROVE SWAMP
1.

2.

3.

Swamps are formed by deposition of mud and silt carried down by the river. It is found at the estuary, that is where the river meets the sea. Only mangrove trees are able to colonise the soft, waterlogged, muddy soil which has a low oxygen level but high salt concentration. Mangrove trees have adaptive structures to overcome the harsh conditions in a swampy area.

A mangrove swamp

ADAPTATIONS OF MANGROVE TREES

Problems trees faced by mangrove Adaptive trees structures of mangrove

Ground too soft to provide Have long, branched cable roots support or prop roots to support the plants in soft ground.

Very little waterlogged mud

oxygen

in

Have breathing roots called pneumatophores which grow upwards and protrude out of the ground. Gaseous exchanges also occurs through lenticels on the bark of mangrove tress.

The root systems of mangroves

Pneumatophores of Avicennia sp.

Prop roots of Rhizophora sp.

Buttress roots of Bruguiera sp.

Problems faced by mangrove trees

Adaptive structures of mangrove trees

High salt content of sea water

The cell sap in root cells has a higher salt content. Sea water enters the roots by osmosis. Excess salt from the sea water is eliminated through hydathodes found at the lower epidermis of leaves.

Seeds sink into the mud and die Have viviparous seeds. A due to insufficient oxygen radicle grows from the germinated seed when it is still attached to the parent tree. When the seedling is released, the radicle holds the shoot above the mud. Exposure to strong sunlight and Leaves with thick cuticle and intense heat leads to a higher rate sunken stomata to reduce of transpiration transpiration Store water in succulent leaves

Viviparity

4.

5.

6.

7.

Avicennia sp. and Sonneratia sp. are the pioneer species of a mangrove swamp. Avicennia sp. grows in areas facing the sea while Sonneratia sp. is found in more sheltered areas. The extensive cable root system of these plants traps more mud and slit as well as organic matter from decaying plant parts. As time passes, the soil becomes more compact and the shore level is slightly raised. The soil becomes firmer and less waterlogged. Such conditions favour the growth of another kind of mangrove tree, namely Rhizophora sp. Gradually, Rhizophora sp. replaces the pioneer species.

8.

9.

10.

11.

The prop root system of Rhizophora sp. continues to trap more slit and mud. Humus is formed from the old pioneer species as well as decaying leaves of Rhizophora sp. The soil becomes firmer, more compact and fertile. The shore level is raised and is less saline. The condition now is more suitable for Bruguiera sp. The buttress root system of Bruguiera sp. Traps more silt and mud causing the shore to extend further to the sea. As time passes, coconut trees, Nipah and Pandanus sp. gradually replace the Bruguiera sp. when the soil becomes more like terrestrial ground. Eventually a tropical rainforest, which is the climax community, is formed.

Distribution of different mangrove species at the mouth of a river

COLONISATION AND SUCCESSION IN A POND

1.

Colonisation by pioneer species (a) Submerged plants such as Hydrilla sp., Elodea sp. and Cabomba sp. as well as phytoplankton are the pioneer species in a pond. (b) These submerged plants have adaptive features such as long fibrous roots which penetrate deep into the soil to absorb nutrients and hold the sand together. Fine leaves enable the plants to flow with the water.

Submerged plants
Cabomba sp.

Hydrilla sp.

Elodea sp.

2.

Succession by floating plants (a) When the pioneer species die, they settle to the bottom of the pond and become humus. At the same time, the soil eroded from the sides of the pond makes the pond shallower. (b) Such a condition becomes unfavourable for the submerged plants but more suitable for floating plants such as Nymphaea sp. (lily), Lemna sp. (duckweed) and Eichornia sp. (water hyacinth) which gradually replace the pioneer species.

Floating plants

Water lily

Pistia sp. Water hyacinth

3.

Succession by emergent (amphibious) plants (a) The floating plants reproduce rapidly as they receive enough sunlight for photosynthesis. They cover a large area of the surface of the pond. This prevents sunlight from reaching the bottom of the pond. (b) Without sunlight, the submerged plants cannot perform photosynthesis. As a result, these plants die and become humus. (c) The amount of humus deposited at the bottom of the pond increases. More soil erosion occurs which results in the pond becoming shallower. This makes the pond too shallow for the floating plants.

(d) Floating plants are gradually being replaced by emergent plants such as Fimbristylis sp. and Lepironia sp. (e) Emergent plants can live in water as well as on land. Their extensive rhizomes grow rapidlly to bind the soil together and to absorb nutrients, changing the habitat. They grow from the edge of the pond to the middle of the pond.

AMPHIBIOUS PLANTS

Cyperus sp.

Scirpus grossus

Scirpus mucronatus

4.

5.

Succession by terrestrial plants (a) The death of emergent plants as well as deposition of more organic matter make the pond even shallower. Evaporation of pond water finally dries the pond. (b) Terrestrial plants such as creepers, grasses, ferns and herbaceous plants begin to grow. (c) Later, shrubs and woody plants begin to grow. Climax community Over hundreds of years, a tropical rainforest which is a climax community is formed.

8.3 POPULATION ECOLOGY

WHAT IS POPULATION?
A

group of organisms thats:

species a particular area

Same

Occupy

FACTORS AFFECTING SIZE OF

POPULATION
Abiotic Biotic Birth

factor

factor

and death rate

Immigration Emigration

TECHNIQUE TO ESTIMATE POPULATION

AREA

1. Quadrat sampling 2. Capture, mark, release, and recapture technique

QUADRAT SAMPLING
Plants

Immobile

animals

HOW?

Quadrat consist of square/rectangular frame (wood/metal)

Strings subdivided the quadrat into smaller squares Frame is pegged to the ground A number of quadrats are set up randomly thoughout the are being studied Species present within the frame is counted and recorded

THE DATA CAN DETERMINE :

Frequency of species [no. of times a particular species is found]

Percentage Frequency

No. of quadrats containing the species No. of quadrats sampled

x 100

Density of species [mean no. of individuals per unit area]

Density =

Total no. of individuals of a species in all quadrats

No. of quadrats samples x Area of each quadrat sampled

Percentage Coverage [indication of the area of the quadrat occupied by a species]

Percentage = Coverage

Aerial coverage of all quadrats (m) No. of quadrats sampled X Quadrat area

CAPTURE, MARK, RELEASE &

RECAPTURE

For

mobile animals only

HOW?

A specific animal sample is captured and marked Marked animals released into the general population After a period of time, a second sample is captured and no. of marked animal in the 2nd sample is counted and recorded

Based on the data, population size can be determine by using the formula :-

Populatio = n Size

No. of organisms in 1st sample X No. of marked organisms captured

No. of marked organisms captured

ABIOTIC FACTORS AFFECTING POPULATION

DISTRIBUTION

Temperature

Light

intensity

Humidity

pH

8.4 - BIODIVERSITY

WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?
Diverse

species of plants & animals in different ecosystem on earth

CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANISMS

Taxonomy : Branch of biology concerned with the identification, naming, & classification of organisms.

5 Kingdoms :

Monera Protista Fungi Plantae Animalia

> MONERA

Unicellular Have a cell wall, but no organelles & nucleus

Dont have nuclear membrane genetic material is scattered

3 shapes: rod-shaped, round, or spiral

> PROTISTA

Includes algae and protozoa Contain nuclei & numerous organelles that surrounded by membrane Plant-like protists have chloroplast Can be heterotrophic or autotrophic, or both The cells of multicellular protists are not specialised to perform specific functions

> FUNGI

Mostly multicellular, but some fungi are unicellular The cell walls of fungi contain chitin Main bodies consist of a network of thread-like hyphae mycelium All fungi are saprophytic No chlorophyll, obtain energy by decomposing decaying organisms and absorb nutrients

> PLANTAE
Immobile,

multicellular, with chlorophyll

Plant

cells are enclosed in cellulose cell

walls
Organised

into specialised tissue

> ANIMALIA

Multicellular, heterotrophic with well-developed tissues Do not have rigid cell walls & chloroplast Most are mobile Mammals, reptiles, fishes, amphibians, birds Digest food internally

HIERARCHY IN THE CLASSIFICATION

OF ORGANISMS
Kingdom
Phylum Class Order Family
Similar features of an organisms = increases No. of organisms = decreases

Genus
Species

King Philip Came Over From Great Spain

NAMING
Genus

+ Species (eg: Homo sapiens)

IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
Provide various biological products which play important role in economics

Provides many environmental services Food, shelter, basic needs Diversity in genetic pool - Genetics variation in the different population

8.5 THE IMPACT OF MICROORGANISMS ON LIFE

WHAT IS MICROORGANISMS?
Very

tiny organisms Harmless & usefull or can cause disease 5 types :

Bacteria Algae Fungi Protozoa Viruses

BACTERIA

CHARACTERISTIC :
Unicellular,

basic cell structure Cell walls made of peptidoglycan Spherical, rod-shape, spiral

Coccu s

Bacillus

Spirillum

ALGAE

CHARACTERISTIC :
Photosynthetic

eukaryotic plant-like

From

Protista Have chlorophyll, chloroplast Cell wall made of cellulose No leaves, stems or roots

FUNGI

CHARACTERISTIC :
Multicellular/unicellular No chlorophyll Cell walls made of chitin Lives as saprophytes and parasites Heterotrophs

PROTOZOA

CHARACTERISTIC :
Unicellular

Have

nucleus, cytoplasm, plasma membrane Carry out living processes To move; Flagella, cilia, pseudopodia

VIRUSES

CHARACTERISTIC :
Smallest

microorganism Not a living cell Can be crystalised Composed of DNA/RNA, surrounded by protein coat

EFFECTS OF ABIOTIC COMPONENTS ON MICROORGANISMS

ABIOTIC COMPONENTS :
Temperature

pH

value intensity

Light

Nutrients

TEMPERATURE
Optimum

temperature : 35C - 40C

At

low temp : they are not active, low grow rate above 60C : inhibited : die

Temp

121C

PH VALUE
Each

has its own optimum pH value live best in neutral environment : slightly alkaline

Most

Bacteria

Fungi

: slightly acidic

LIGHT INTENSITY
Autotrophs

need light

High

light intensity : inhibited and destroy light intensity : Growth rate is

Low

high

NUTRIENTS
Autotrophs

: from surroundings

Heterotrophs

: in the form of starch, fat, glucose, amino acid

ROLE OF USEFUL MICROORGANISMS

Decomposition Nitrogen cycle Alimentary canals of termites Digestive system in humans

DECOMPOSITION
Complex

simple organic substance & bacteria obtain food and energy

Fungi

NITROGEN CYCLE

ALIMENTARY CANALS OF TERMITES

Live

freely in mutualism in alimentary canals of termites enzyme cellulose into simple sugars then absorb by termites

Secrets

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN HUMANS

In the caecum & colon, they break down remainder carbon hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane Break down remainder protein amino acid & hydrogen sulphide Synthesis vitamin B12 & K

Help digest cellulose to form simple sugar

EFFECT OF HARMFUL MICROORGANISMS

PATHOGENS
Microorganisms

that causes

diseases
Can

cause spoilage of food

cause food poisoning

HOW?
Attack

& destroy cells or body tissues

Release

toxins into body of organisms

METHOD IN TRANSMISSION OF DISEASE

Vectors : organisms which transm pathogens

3 METHODS :
Water

Air

(Air-borne transmission) contact

Physical

WATER
Drink

unboiled water, flood, poor sanitation : cholera, typhoid, dysentery

Disease

Prevention

: Drink boiled water Improve sanitation Add chlorine to tap water

AIR (AIR-BORNE)
Breath

in contaminated droplets of moisture Breath in spores by bacteria

Disease

: Common cold, tuberculosis, influenza, chicken pox, measles, leprosy :

Prevention

Do not spit Cover mouth & nose when sneezing/coughing

PHYSICAL CONTACT
Direct

contact/indirect contact Sexual relationship

Disease

: White spot, ringworm, AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea

Prevention

: Avoid sharing personal things Avoid sharing needles with AIDS patients

METHODS OF CONTROLLING
PATHOGENS

Antibiotics Vaccines Antiseptics Disinfectants

ANTIBIOTICS
Chemical

substance produce by fungi &

bacteria
To

treat disease caused by bacteria

VACCINES
Contain

dead/weak virus and bacteria white blood cells

Stimulate

The

antibodies produce will react with pathogens (1 antibody for 1 pathogens)

ANTISEPTIC
Chemical

substance used on wounds/cuts on external parts prevent wound from become septic

Only

DISINFECTANTS
To

kill the pathogens of dangerous disease microorganisms, but not the spores

Kill

Only

on non-living things to sterilise things

than antiseptic

Stronger Cannot

be used on wounds

USES OF MICROORGANISMS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

 Production

of antibiotics and vaccines Cleaning of oil spills Waste treatment Food processing Production of energy from biomass Production of bioplastic

8.6 APPRECIATING BIODIVERSITY

WHY?
Plants

and animals provide large variety of food source and uses to humans species have medicinal values

Certain

Insects

and animals are pollinating

agents

SO WE MUST
Conserve

Wise use of natural resources Protection, management, renewal of natural resources

Preserve

Management of ecosystems to ensure a healthy natural environment

THE END
bye