Biotic components of the Ecosystem Plants Animals Fish Insects
Protozoa Algae Fungi Protists Bacteria 4
Slide 5
Abiotic components of the Ecosystem July 22, 20125 Water Light
Soil
Slide 6
Wilderness in an Unlikely Place Location: The Woodlands, TX,
Technology Forest Office Park Ecosystem: Suburban pond
Slide 7
Who calls the pond home? Trees line the banks and provide spots
of alternating shade and sun Water plants provide sanctuary and
oxygen Algae and small protozoa join plants as the first trophic
level Texas is known for its insects and even small ponds dont
disappoint First-level consumers such as flies and small fish
provide prey to larger second and tertiary consumers such as frogs,
snakes, and birds. Bullfrogs and bluegills Turtles, spiders, and
snakes Cranes, egrets, and vultures Decomposers Algae and protozoa
Mayflies, dragonflies, and waterbugs Footer text here7 Cypress and
willows (waters edge) Landscape grass, coral vine, and Asian
jasmine Live oaks, elms, and loblolly pines (surrounding area
Slide 8
Specific Interaction and Adaptation Suburban settings spark
adaption Less fear of humans Changes to diet (in the real wild,
species living in a pond would probably not be fed crackers and
bread) Learning to live with ornamental plants and trees planted to
make the pond look natural but may not be indigenous to the region
Traffic, litter, overfeeding, and proximity can cause stress to a
species Invasive species such as Chinese tallow threaten native
trees and shrubs 8 A keystone species is the Loblolly pine this
tree is ubiquitous in the region. Lately, it has come under attack
by bark-eating beetles which can kill decades-old trees in a matter
of weeks.
Slide 9
Factors Affecting Diversity of a Pond Immigration Succession
Predation Local extinction Availability of resources July 22,
20129
Slide 10
Thank the ecologists! As humanity evolved, ponds disappeared.
Ponds in the city are wildlife refuges. Thank your local
ecologist.
