2. What is an Ecosystem? Ecosystems are interdependent communities of plants and animals together with the habitat to which they have adapted – a natural unit with biotic and abiotic components that interact.

3. It is like a tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry WHY?

4. Biotic and Abiotic Factors plants relief climate light nutrients minerals air water fungi bacteria soil animals geology Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors

5. Ecosystems exist at a range of scales

6. Small Scale – Micro - Ecosystems Under a rock A pond A hedgrow

7. Large Scale – Macro - Ecosystems The Tropical Rainforest Biome The Desert Biome The largest scale ecosystems can be considered as BIOMES – a major subdivision of the earths biosphere identified by a shared, characteristic plant community, adapted to the environmental conditions of the region.

8. The Worlds Biomes

11. It can get pretty complex!

12. Don’t forget the basic components of an ecosystem

14. BUT Why do we study ecosystems?