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## **Unit 6: Environment**

### **6.1 Ecosystems**

#### **Learning Outcomes:**

- Define an ecosystem.

- Explain the abiotic (physical) components of an ecosystem.

- Explain the biotic (biological) components of an ecosystem.

#### **Key Concepts:**

1. **Ecosystem**: A life-supporting environment that includes all living organisms, nutrients, and the
physical and chemical environment. Ecosystems can be as large as the entire world or as small as a pond
or tree.

2. **Habitat**: The place where an organism lives.

3. **Ecology**: The science of the relationship between organisms and their environment.

#### **Abiotic Components (Non-living Factors):**

- **Climate and Weather**: Sunlight, rainfall, temperature.

- **Soil and Rocks**: Type of soil, drainage, pH (acidity).

- **Water**: Oxygen levels, current, and wind.

- **Temperature**: Affects the survival of organisms.

- **Wind**: Can make life difficult for organisms if too strong.

#### **Biotic Components (Living Factors):**

- **Predators**: Affect the number of prey animals.

- **Food Availability**: Determines the survival of herbivores and carnivores.

- **Parasites and Diseases**: Can reduce the population of organisms.

- **Competition**: Between species for food, mates, and territory.

#### **Types of Habitats:**

- **Terrestrial Habitats**: On land (e.g., forests, deserts).

- **Aquatic Habitats**: In water.

- **Marine Habitats**: Saltwater oceans.

- **Freshwater Habitats**: Lakes, rivers, ponds.

#### **Competition:**

- **Interspecies Competition**: Between different species for resources.

- **Intraspecies Competition**: Within the same species for mates, territory, and food.

- **Plant Competition**: For light, water, and nutrients.

#### **Summary:**

- Ecosystems are complex systems where living organisms interact with each other and their physical
environment.

- Abiotic factors like sunlight, temperature, and soil type determine which organisms can survive.

- Biotic factors like predators, food availability, and competition also play a crucial role in shaping
ecosystems.
---

### **6.2 Food Relationships**

#### **Learning Outcomes:**

- Define phototrophs, heterotrophs, and chemotrophs.

- Explain food chains using diagrams.

- Explain food webs using diagrams.

- Explain pyramids of biomass using diagrams.

- Explain pyramids of energy using diagrams.

#### **Key Concepts:**

1. **Phototrophs**: Organisms that use light energy to produce food (e.g., plants).

2. **Heterotrophs**: Organisms that rely on eating other organisms (e.g., animals, fungi).

3. **Chemotrophs**: Organisms that get energy from chemical reactions (e.g., sulfur bacteria).

#### **Food Chains:**

- **Producers**: Plants that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

- **Primary Consumers**: Herbivores that eat plants.

- **Secondary Consumers**: Carnivores that eat herbivores.

- **Decomposers**: Bacteria and fungi that break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil.

#### **Food Webs:**

- A network of interconnected food chains that show the complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

#### **Pyramids of Biomass:**

- Represents the total mass of living organisms at each trophic level.

- Biomass decreases as you move up the food chain because energy is lost at each level.

#### **Pyramids of Energy:**

- Represents the flow of energy through a food chain.

- Only about 10% of energy is passed on to the next trophic level; the rest is lost as heat or used for
metabolic processes.

#### **Energy Loss in Food Chains:**

- Energy is lost through:

- **Waste**: Undigested material (feces).

- **Respiration**: Energy used for movement and maintaining body temperature.

- **Heat**: Lost to the environment.

#### **Summary:**

- Food chains and webs show how energy flows through an ecosystem.

- Pyramids of biomass and energy illustrate the decrease in available energy and biomass as you move
up the food chain.

---

### **6.3 Recycling in Nature**

#### **Learning Outcomes:**

- Describe and illustrate the nitrogen cycle.

- Describe and illustrate the carbon cycle.

#### **Key Concepts:**

1. **Decomposers**: Microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that break down dead organisms and waste,
returning nutrients to the soil.

2. **Nitrogen Cycle**: The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms,
making it available for plants and animals.

3. **Carbon Cycle**: The process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water,
and living organisms.

#### **Nitrogen Cycle:**

- **Nitrogen Fixation**: Nitrogen gas is converted into ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

- **Nitrification**: Ammonia is converted into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.

- **Assimilation**: Plants absorb nitrates to make proteins.

- **Denitrification**: Nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria.

#### **Carbon Cycle:**

- **Photosynthesis**: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic
compounds.

- **Respiration**: Plants and animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

- **Decomposition**: Dead organisms are broken down by decomposers, releasing carbon dioxide.

- **Combustion**: Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.

#### **Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle:**

- **Deforestation**: Reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide.

- **Burning Fossil Fuels**: Increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, contributing to global
warming.

#### **Summary:**
- The nitrogen and carbon cycles are essential for maintaining the balance of nutrients in ecosystems.

- Human activities like deforestation and burning fossil fuels disrupt these cycles, leading to
environmental issues like global warming.

---

### **6.4 Adaptations**

#### **Learning Outcomes:**

- Explain the need for adaptation.

- Describe plant adaptations with examples.

- Describe animal adaptations with examples.

#### **Key Concepts:**

1. **Adaptation**: Features that help organisms survive in their specific habitat.

2. **Surface Area to Volume Ratio**: Important for heat loss and water retention.

3. **Camouflage**: Helps animals avoid predators or catch prey.

#### **Animal Adaptations:**

- **Cold Climates**: Thick fur, blubber, small ears (reduce heat loss).

- **Hot Climates**: Large ears, thin fur, nocturnal behavior (reduce heat gain).

- **Desert Animals**: Store water, burrow underground, and are active at night.

#### **Plant Adaptations:**

- **Reduced Surface Area**: Small or spiny leaves to reduce water loss.

- **Water Storage**: Succulent plants store water in their tissues.

- **Seed Dispersal**: Wind, water, or animals help spread seeds to reduce competition.
#### **Summary:**

- Adaptations are crucial for survival in different environments.

- Animals and plants have evolved various features to cope with extreme conditions like cold, heat, and
drought.

---

### **6.5 Tree-Growing Project**

#### **Learning Outcomes:**

- Explain the importance of planting and growing trees.

- Know how to plant and grow trees in your community.

#### **Key Concepts:**

1. **Importance of Trees**:

- Produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

- Prevent soil erosion and desertification.

- Provide food and resources.

2. **Tree Planting**:

- Prepare the soil, dig a hole, and water the sapling.

- Protect young trees from animals and provide extra water during dry seasons.

#### **Summary:**

- Trees are vital for maintaining a healthy environment.

- Planting trees helps combat deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change.
---

### **End of Unit Questions:**

1. **Ecosystems**:

- Define an ecosystem and explain the role of abiotic and biotic components.

2. **Food Relationships**:

- Explain the difference between a food chain and a food web.

- Describe how energy is lost in a food chain.

3. **Recycling in Nature**:

- Explain the importance of the nitrogen and carbon cycles.

- How do human activities affect these cycles?

4. **Adaptations**:

- Describe three adaptations of animals living in cold climates.

- How do plants reduce water loss in dry environments?

5. **Tree-Growing Project**:

- Why is it important to plant trees in Ethiopia?

- What steps are involved in planting a tree?

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provided PDF. By understanding these points, you should be well-prepared for your exam. Good luck!