9/23/2015
Page
IN: Describe the smallest ecosystem you can
think of. Include and example of a biotic and
abiotic factor found in your ecosystem
The Importance of Microscopic
and Macroscopic Organisms in
an Ecosystem
OUT: Compare the ecosystem in a teaspoon of
soil to the ecosystem in your backyard or park.
This is an example of an ecosystem
I. Abiotic factors such as temperature, pH, and
precipitation have a profound affect on the
ecosystems stability.
Notice the various
abiotic and biotic
factors that affect
the
stability of the
ecosystem
A. The slightest change in any can cause drastic
changes in an ecosystem and affect the
abundance (number of individuals) of species
Drought in the
Amazon river
This log is also an ecosystem
Can you name
some of the biotic
and abiotic factors
here?
1
9/23/2015
This small clump of soil is also an
ecosystem
What is
interacting
here? How
are they
affecting
each
other?
II. Ecosystems can exist in the same
location on a variety of scales
Think about Nemo….. he lived in a large open
coral reef ecosystem, found in an even larger
marine ecosystem.
After he was captured he lived in a fish tank
which could also be considered an ecosystem
Lets go smaller…. think about the ecosystem
in the in the gravel or rock of the fish tank.
A. Various organisms, both macroscopic and
microscopic effect the stability of an
ecosystem and the resources available
B. Macroscopic organisms such as plants and
animals provide food for various consumers
2
9/23/2015
D. Some microscopic organisms such as
viruses can be harmful to an ecosystem,
causing disease or killing crops
C. Microscopic organisms such as algae, fungi
and bacteria are decomposers and break down
dead organic matter
A. Phytoplankton
provide over half of
oxygen on Earth.
B. Bacteria live in our
bodies and aid in
digestion
III. Both Macroscopic and Microscopic organisms
play an important role in the health of an
ecosystem.
IV. Everything in an ecosystem is linked to
another organism
Close Biotic Relationships
A. Symbiosis
= two dissimilar organisms live together
in close association
3
9/23/2015
3 Types
1. Mutualism= two organisms live together and both
benefit.
ex. Plover bird removes food from crocodile's teeth
2. Commensalism=
one organism benefits the other is neither
helped or harmed
ex. Remora gets a
free ride from shark
and gets fed
3-way mutualism between an ant, a butterfly caterpillar, and an acacia. The
caterpillars have nectar organs which the ants drink from, and the acacia
tolerates the feeding caterpillars. The ants appear to provide some
protection for both plant and caterpillar.
The shark does not
care that the remora
is there
3. Parasitism
= one organism
(parasite) benefits,
while the other (host)
is harmed.
Ex. Tapeworm that
lives in the
intestines of man,
pig, dog, cat, etc.
4
9/23/2015
B. Predation = the preying of one animal on others
Predator attacks; prey is killed
What were some of the interactions between
the microscopic and macroscopic organism in
the fish tank?
Microscope Activity
Today you are going to learn how to properly
care for and use a microscope.
Can insert microscope video here
Please label the parts of the microscope. You will need
this to complete your lab activity.
Body Tube
Nosepiece- allows
objects to rotate
Objective Lens
Stage Clips
Diaphragm
Light
Eyepiece
(Ocular)
Arm
Stage w/ aperture
(hole in the middle)
Coarse Focus
Fine Focus
Base
---------------
Legs ---------------
5