Ecology Living Environment

Objectives I can identify the levels of organization in the biosphere. I can identify how biotic and abiotic factors influence ecosystems.

1. Ecology The study of the interactions of organisms with each other and their environment

2. Organization of Living Things A. Organism – one individual living thing B . Population - individuals of the same species living in an area - species – organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring C. Community – group of interacting populations of different species

Organization of Living Things – con’t D. Ecosystem – all the organisms in a certain area and their physical environment Abiotic factors – nonliving parts examples: soil, water, temperature, sunlight Biotic factors – living parts Examples : animals, plants, microorganisms

Niche – organism’s way of life, the role it plays in an ecosystem Habitat – place where an organism lives

Organization of Living Things – con’t E. Biosphere - layer around earth where life is found

Check For Understanding 1. Arrange the following terms from most inclusive to least inclusive: population community biosphere ecosystem organism 2. What is the difference between an organism’s niche and its habitat?