Ecology

What is Ecology? The scientific study of organisms & how they interact with their environment

Organisms & their Environment Niche: the role an organism plays in its environment – For example, fungi are decomposers in their environment. Habitat: the place an organism lives

The Non-Living Environment Abiotic Factors: the non-living parts of an organism’s environment – For example, precipitation Even though they aren’t living, abiotic factors still affect organisms’ lives!

The Living Environment Biotic Factors: all of the living organisms that inhabit an environment – For example, plants & animals All organisms depend on others, directly or indirectly, for food, shelter, reproduction, or protection.

Abiotic (A) or Biotic (B)? Biotic

Abiotic

Abiotic

Biotic

Biotic

Ecological Levels of Organization Ecologists have organized the interactions an organism takes part in into different levels according to complexity.

Levels you’ve studied before: Atom  Molecule  Gene  Chromosomes  Organelles  Cells  Tissues  Organs  Organ Systems

1 st Level of Organization Organism: an individual living thing that is made of cells, uses energy, reproduces, responds, grows, & develops

2 nd Level of Organization Population: a group of organisms, all of the same species, which interbreed and live in the same place at the same time

3 rd Level of Organization Biological Community: all the populations of different species that live in the same place at the same time

4 th Level of Organization Ecosystem: populations of plants and animals that interact with each other in a given area with the abiotic components of that area

5 th Level of Organization Biome: group of ecosystems that have the same climate and dominant communities Deserts Rainforests

6 th Level of Organization Biosphere: the portion of Earth that supports life Life is found in air, on land, & in fresh & salt water!

Levels of Organization

What level of organization? Organism A.Organism B.Population C.Community D.Ecosystem E.Biome F.Biosphere

Community A.Organism B.Population C.Community A.Ecosystem B.Biome C.Biosphere

Population A.Organism B.Population C.Community D. Ecosystem E. Biome F. Biosphere

Before you leave, answer the following questions on a sheet of notebook paper (share!): 1.Describe how populations can affect other populations. 2.Describe how populations can affect their environment. 3.Describe how abiotic factors affect biotic factors.