Fundamentals of Ecology

Table of content How organisms respond to their physical environment and how those responses affect the characteristics of populations. Examine the characteristics of population and the factors that affect their growth. Understand assemblages of coexisting species and the interactions that occur among them.

The Study of Ecology Ecosystems are “systems” composed of living organisms and their nonliving environment. Ecosystems carry biotic (organismal) and abiotic (non-living) factors. Biosphere is the sum of all the earth’s ecosystems. The structure of the Biosphere are: the capture of energy, the cycling of nutrients, survival and reproduction, and the process of evolution that has shaped the world around you

Important Points: Ecosystems are composed of living organisms and their physical environment (abiotic and biotic factors) The world’s ecosystems are all interconnected All of the earth’s ecosystems taken together form the biosphere.

Ecology and the Physical Environment How do organisms live in the deep? Why are some rocks covered in algae and others are not? What are the demands for their environment determine how much energy is necessary to survive and whether there will be enough energy to reproduce and thrive together. This influences the distribution of organisms in the marine environment.

The Physical “abiotic” Environment An organisms environment consist of physical and biological factors. Example of physical factors in a marine ecosystem include: Temperature Salinity pH Amount of sunlight Ocean currents Wave action Type and size of sediment particles

Watch this Video! https://youtu.be/9p1kAvDL52U https://youtu.be/XcdpnvUBinA This video shows an example on how "abiotic “ factors like temperature can effect an organisms.

“Biotic” Factors Other organisms, so: Competition Predation Disease agents Symbiosis Mutualism- both organisms benefit Commensalism- one organism benefits while the other is not harmed Parasitism- one organism benefits and the other is harmed

Watch this Video!! https://youtu.be/GzaeYzAC8Ro https://youtu.be/d_nOIMr1CVo Video explains how biotic factors like over-population and predation can effect an ecosystem

Symbiotic Relationships https://youtu.be/fzIDE0ippf4

Habitat: Where an organism lives Examples of marine habitats: Rocky shores Sandy shores Mangrove swamps Coral reefs Deep-sea vents Each habitat are characterized by its own set of physical and chemical characteristics. These characterisitcs influence what types organisms can live in that habitat and their ability to adapt!

IQ #1 What is the difference between BIOTIC and ABIOTIC factors? How do you think Biotic factors can influence an ecosystem?( hint: think of how a population grows and shrinks)

Coral Reefs Coral reefs are not only a home for fish but for a community of micro-organisms known as bacteria! Corals are sensitive to their environment Changes in pH, temperature, salinity and light can alter the ecosystem in a stressful way Stressed corals are vulnerable to coral bleaching!

Maintaining Homeostasis The secret to live is…… balance….. Survival of an organism is influenced by how the internal environment reacts with the external environment. When changes happen, the organism must make proper adjustments internally to reestablish a balanced state. Different types of organisms can tolerate different levels of fluctuation in environmental factors Ex. Coral reefs vs. rocky shore habitats

IQ #2 Which habitat do you think can tolerate “stress” aka fluctuations in their environment. Explain why. Coral Reef Vs. Rocky Shore

IQ #3 What are the advantages and disadvantages of living out of your optimal range???

Reflection 3 points learned: 1. 2. 3. 3 points confused