Ecology

Ecology Defined Ecology is the study of how living things interact with their environment.

Ecology Terms Population: A group of the same species in a defined area. A species is one “specific” type of organism.

Ecology Terms Community: Includes all the organisms of all types (including plants!) living in the same area.

Ecology Terms Ecosystem: All of the organisms living in a defined area and their nonliving environment.

Biotic Factors-living parts of an ecosystem Ecosystem Factors Biotic Factors-living parts of an ecosystem Food Predators Organisms in soil

Ecosystem Factors Abiotic factors – nonliving parts of an ecosystem Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Oxygen

Population Terms What makes a population grow or shrink? Death Birth Immigration Emigration

Population Terms Carrying Capacity: Largest Population an area can support

Population Terms Limiting Factors (meaning what would limit the population): Food! Water! Habitat!

Population Terms Population Density= Population Area Population Density: number of individuals in an area of a specific size.

Biotic Factors-living parts of an ecosystem Ecosystem Factors Biotic Factors-living parts of an ecosystem Potential Food Predators Organisms in soil

Ecosystem Factors Abiotic factors – nonliving parts of an ecosystem Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Oxygen