Introduction to Ecology Organisms and Their Environments

Ecology The study of the interactions of organisms and their environment

Levels of Biological Organization

Part of earth that supports life Includes communities & abiotic factors Groups of populations in a region. Group of organisms of same species

Niche vs. Habitat

Habitat The place where the organism lives. Like an address

Niche The role a species plays in a community. Like an occupation

Niche Includes the space, food, and other conditions the organism needs to survive

NOTE: Several species may share a habitat, but the food, shelter, and resources of that habitat are divided into separate niches.

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 Cape May Warbler Feeds at the tips of branches near the top of the tree Spruce tree

What shapes an Ecosystem? Biotic & Abiotic Factors Community Interactions Ecological Succession

Biotic Factors All the living organisms that inhabit an environment. Bio = life tic = pertaining to. EX: Animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, protists

Abiotic Factors All the non-living parts of the environment A = not/without, bio = life Examples = soil, rocks, water, minerals, temperature

List all of the biotic & abiotic factors

Quick review

 What is the portion of the earth that supports life called? Give 2 examples of abiotic factors. What do you call the role a species plays in its environment? Biosphere  Niche

What is formed by several populations that interact with each other? What do you call a community and its abiotic factors? List the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest. Community Ecosystem OPCEB