Ecosystem Pyramid

1. Ecosystem Population Organism Oxalis Community Ecosystem Pyramid Ellie Haygood Science 3

2. Sources

3. Organism • Definition: An organism is any kind of individual living thing. • The Oxalis plants has five petals. • The color usually ranges form white to pink. • The flowering part is the fruit, which contains several seeds. • The roots are tuberous, which reproduce by producing bulbils which detach to produce new plants. • They store energy in their tubers, which makes them resistant to weed killers. • They are also susceptible to rust.

4. Population • Definition: Population is a group of organisms of the same species living in the same area. • The largest genus in the wood-sorrel family. • There are about 900 known species of the oxalis plant.

5. Community • Definition: A community is a group of different populations that live together and interact in an environment. (All the biotic factors) • The oxalis plant provides food for small herbivores such as quail. • Grows near the roots of trees such as birch, oak, maple, and ash. • The leaves are eaten by some Lepidoptera plants. • The Kiowa Indians chewed the plant to get rid of thirst on long trips. • The Potawatomi Indians cooked it with sugar to make desserts. • The Cherokee Indians ate the plant to get rid of mouth sores and sore throats.

6. Ecosystem • Definition: An ecosystem is all the living and non living things in the area that interact with each other. (abiotic and biotic) • The plant grows through most of the world, except for polar areas. • They are most often found in tropical areas. • They are also found in Michigan’s woodland ecosystem. • The plant needs adequate water supply in order to survive.

7. Sources • Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995. pgs. 606-607 • Duke, Dr. James A. Handbook of Edible Weeds. Pgs. 140-141. http://books.google.com/books?id=rVrteo8cI0C