Ecology Chapter 17

Ecology Ecology is the study of the relationship between plants and animals and their environment.

Ecosystem An ecosystem is a large area with similar plants or animals

Habitat A habitat is the place where plants or animals live

Producers Producers are green plants which make their own food.

Consumers Consumers in a habitat are animals, they eat other plants or animals for food. Carnivores - eat only meat Herbivores - eat only plants

Decomposers Decomposers in a habitat are organisms that feed on the dead remains of plants and animals. E.g. bacteria

A food Chain A food chain is a list of organisms in which each organism is eating by the next organism in the food chain. Grass Rabbit Fox

Feeding level The position of an organism on a food chain is called its feeding level.

Adaptation An Adaptation is the changes that a plant or animal make to help them survive better in their environment. E.g. Hedgehogs have developed sharp spines which protect them against predators. Dandelions disperse seeds using parachute

Competition Competition for scarce resources occurs between organisms in an environment. Plants compete for light, some grow tall to get light e.g. Oak tree. Animals compete for food e.g. Eagles and fox compete for food

Food Webs A food web consists of two or more interconnected food chains. Food webs are usually interconnected.

A food Web

Interdependence Interdependence is when organisms in a habitat depend on each other for survival. Flowers provide nectar for insects Animals depend on plants for shelter Insects pollinate flowers Plants depend on animals for seed dispersal