Unit 8 Notes: Ecology Basics

(1) Ecology The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Interactions: Eating / Hunting Assisting / Symbiotic Reproduction

(2) Levels of Organization Population: A group of organisms, all the same species, who live in a specific area. Community: Multiple populations of different species, who live in a specific area. Ecosystem: The collection of all organisms within a specific area. Biome: All of the living systems on this planet.

(3) Ecosystem Roles Producers: Organisms who convert inorganic compounds (sunlight / chemicals) into useful energy storing compounds for all other organisms. Consumers: Organisms who rely on energy storing compounds made by Producers.

(4) Producers Also called autotrophs. How They Produce Energy-Storing Molecules: Photosynthesis  Convert sunlight into sugars Chemosynthesis  Convert hydrogen sulfide and oxygen into energy storing sulfur compounds.

(5) Consumers Also called heterotrophs. Types: Herbivores: Obtain energy by eating only plants. Carnivores: Obtain energy by eating only animals. Omnivores: Obtain energy by eating both plants and animals. Detritivores: Obtain energy by eating dead plant and animal matter (called detritus). Decomposers: Obtain energy after metabolizing dead plant and animal matter.

(6) Energy In Ecosystems The sun is the ultimate source of energy for ALL living things on Earth. Consumers rely 100% on Producers to convert the sun’s energy into a useable form. Animals need to eat in order to gain the Sun’s converted energy!