Ecosystem Near You

System Diagram Write up of My Home Property

The system that I based my model on was of my property. In this system I found many different types of interactions. From the predators on the property to the herbivores, it was interesting to see how they all had some sort of connection to each others survival. In this system I included most of the things I observed but did not include everything as they would not all fit on the diagram. Starting with the pond on the property, the pond provides water to all the animals in the area as well as irrigation for crops.

In the pond are a lot of fish that feed on the plants in the water as well as the frogs that line the border. Frequently although not shown in this picture, a heron can be found preying on the fish in the water. This pond also provides water for the trees and plants below it as it leaks out through the ground and into the plants root systems.

Another component that I photographed was the trees that line the property. These trees provide shelter for many different animals and insects. The insects and

wind in the area help pollinate the trees in exchange.

The trees take the C02 created by the animals in the area and convert it into oxygen which the animals then breathe. The trees also take in the sun for use of photosynthesis to create food and energy for themselves. Another component in this system is the predators. Although these two animals are not the coyotes described in the diagram, they are still carnivores who hunt for mice, squirrels, and other small prey.

All the animals on the property contribute into the system in someway. The dogs eat other small prey and in turn create organic matter which help plants grow.

Insects are another large part of the system and can be found most everywhere. Insects help pollinate the plants in the area such as the crops and berrys shown in the diagram. Insects also provide a source of food for the birds in the area such as the turkeys that roam our fields. These turkeys are often times dinner for the coyotes in the area as well. After the coyotes are done eating them they are turned into organic matter and are put into the soil and help the crops grow. Those crops that grow are then eaten by other turkeys.

If a fire was to break out in the area, the system would change drastically for quite some time. If the trees were destroyed, there would not be a place for the birds to sleep and nest and they birds may leave all together. The grass and other plants that fed the animals would all be gone forcing the animals to leave the area as they would no longer have any food. If all the herbivores were to leave then all of the carnivores would leave because their food source would leave. The fish in the water would most likely not be affected by the fire and there fore the animals that fed on the fish such as the heron could still use the area for hunting. Eventually the natural process of succession would bring the area back to life and eventually return to the original system or maybe even a different one.