Ecosystems: Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Understanding the Living and Non-Living Components of Our Environment Year 11 Biology

What is an Ecosystem?

A community of living organisms interacting with each other Includes the physical environment they live in All components work together as a system Examples: forests, ponds, grasslands, even your school grounds!

Biotic vs Abiotic Factors

{"left":"BIOTIC FACTORS\nLiving components of an ecosystem\nPlants (producers)\nAnimals (consumers)\nMicroorganisms (decomposers)\nFungi and bacteria\nABIOTIC FACTORS","right":"Non-living components\nTemperature and climate\nWater and humidity\nSoil composition\nLight intensity\nAir quality and gases"}

Local Ecosystem Investigation

Work in groups of 5 students Choose one local ecosystem from the photos provided List biotic factors you can identify List abiotic factors present Use post-it notes to categorize your findings Prepare to share your discoveries!

Examples in British Ecosystems

Urban parks: trees, squirrels, birds vs. paths, benches, air pollution Ponds: fish, water plants, algae vs. water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen Woodlands: oak trees, deer, fungi vs. soil type, rainfall, sunlight levels School grounds: grass, insects, cats vs. concrete, building shade, human activity

Think-Pair-Share

Question: How might changes in abiotic factors affect the biotic factors in an ecosystem? Think individually for 1 minute Discuss with your partner for 2 minutes Share ideas with the class

Ecosystem Interactions Web

Key Takeaways

Ecosystems contain both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors These factors are interconnected and interdependent Changes in one factor can affect the entire ecosystem Understanding these relationships helps us protect our environment You can observe ecosystem factors in your local area