Ecology

What is it? A division of science – The study of the interactions of living organisms with one another and their physical environment Population Community Ecosystem Biosphere

Where to start? How do ecosystems form? – Succession Regular progression of species replacement that occurs after a disturbance or development of a new habitat – Species replacement? » One species replaces another – Disturbance » Natural Hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, floods, etc. » Human Clearing, fires, building, etc. – New habitat » NEW! Never sustained life before!

Two types of Succession Primary Succession – Think first! – Succession that occurs in a newly formed habitat that has never before sustained life Example: Retreated glacier

And the second type… Secondary Succession – Succession that occurs in areas where there has been previous growth, such as abandoned fields or forest clearings Example: Forest fire

What makes up an ecosystem? Population – Organisms of the same species living in one place at the same time Community – Organisms of many different species living in one place at the same time

Ecosystem! – All organisms living in a particular place at the same time and all the biotic and abiotic factors that affect their way of life Biotic – living Abiotic – non-living Biosphere – All of Earth’s ecosystems

Factors Biotic – Living Abiotic – Non-living

List the Biotic and Abiotic Factors