Natural system in a geographical area where plants, animals, landscape and climate all interrelate
Biotic: living things . Abiotic:
Non living things EG. climate
small scale ecosystem examples:
freshwater pond, hedgerow, rockery
freshwater pond
Producers,consumers,decomposers,food chain (link
between producers and consumers as a line diagram,food
web (more complex link between producers and consumers
nutrients cycling:
sources are
rainwater,
weathered rock
and decomposers
pond margin: plenty of oxygen and light, shelter for plants and
insects small mammal's food source. reeds and bull rushes
Pond surface: plenty of oxygen and light, habitat
for insects such as water boatmen and larger
mammals such a duck and geese
Mid water: animal breathe though
gills or skin. Habitat for underwater
plants. Fish are the main predators
Pond bottom: Little oxygen and light. Plenty of
shelter. decomposers and scavengers live here.
case study: Avington park lake, Winchester
Country estate. Lack of
maintenance = accumulation of
silt and plants. Positive result =
excellent habitat. Negative:
imbalanced ecosystem
2014 restoration: Desilting the lake to provide
better waterside habitat (for nesting birds) and
improved the oxygenation of the water
(encouraged diversity of plants and animals)
How does change effect ecosystems
Global change: hotter climates, extreme weather (drought etc.)
human activity: use of fertilisers, change of
pH in water, adding of different species.
draining of ponds for agriculture use.
cutting down plants or trees at pond margin