H3
Ecosystems are the interaction
between living and non living things.
Ecosystems are defined by
their living (biotic) and non
living (abiotic) components
Living things
include plants,
animals and
microbes
There are
different types
of ecosystems
Non living
things
include soil,
air,
temperature
Living things
depend on each
other; relationships
can be beneficial or
harmful
Different
systems are
defined by
their nonliving and
living
factors
(e.g.,
desert,
forest)
Growth and survival
depend on
conditions
Number of
organisms an
ecosystem can
supports depends
on resources
Carrying
capacity affects
population
growth
Living things
have
adaptations that
help them
survive in their
environment
Matter cycles
through
ecosystems
Energy flows
through
ecosystems
All organisms
need food and
energy to grow
Some
organisms
survive well,
less well or not
at all
Organisms’
behavior
evolves through
adaptation to
the
environment
Plants are the
primary source
of matter and
energy
a major source
of energy is
sunlight
Producers
consumers and
decomposers
are related in
food webs
Energy is
transferred in
food webs
through the
various levels
Matter can be
transferred
through the
organism and
the ecosystem
but the amount
stays the same.
Some energy
acquired by living
things is stored
for later use;
some is
transformed in
the form of heat
There is
competition for
resources
Ca NGSS Roll Out #1: Tool
Conceptual Flow Developed by the K-12 Alliance/WestEd
Ecosystems
change over
time
All organisms
including
humans cause
changes to
ecosystems
Natural
phenomena
can change
ecosystems
Some of the
changes are
beneficial,
some are
not
Some of the
changes are
abrupt some
are slow