Principles of Ecology IN 124 Heading Vocabulary Important Info Chapters 3, 4, 5, & 6

B. Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors A. What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. B. Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors Biosphere – portion of the Earth supporting life Biotic factors a. All organisms inhabiting the environment b. The “living” things in the environment c. Each organism adapts to its part of the biosphere Abiotic factors a. Nonliving parts of the environment b. Can determine which species will survive examples: rainfall, temperature, light, soil

Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors ECOSYSTEM

C. Levels of Biological Organization Species: group of organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring. Populations a. A group of organisms of the same species living together b. Must compete for resources Community a. Several populations that interact b. Changes in one population will cause changes in the others Ecosystem a. Interactions between populations and their surroundings b. 2 main types: 1. Terrestrial – land 2. Aquatic – fresh or salt water

Levels of Biological Organization

D. Niche vs. Habitat The role an organism plays in the environment (Its “job” in the community) Habitat Place where an organism lives Three Species of Warblers and their niches Cape May Warbler Feeds at the tips of branches near the top of the tree Bay-Breasted Warbler Feeds in the middle part of the tree Yellow-Rumped Warbler Feeds in the lower part of the tree and at the bases of the middle branches Spruce tree

Earthworm Example Habitat of the earthworm: in the soil. Niche: To aerate ( add air to or oxygenate) the soil.