Introduction to Ecology

WHAT IS ECOLOGY? Ecology is the study of the interactions of living things (organisms) with their environment. Organisms interact within a certain area called an ecosystem (ex. lake, forest, field, pond).

WHAT IS ECOLOGY?

TERMINOLOGY Organisms that make their own food are called autotrophs (self-feeders). All plants are autotrophs. They are also called producers. They use energy from the Sun and convert it to sugars through the process of photosynthesis. The basic reaction is: energy + 6CO2 + 6H2O  C6H12O6 + 6O2 (light) (sugar)

TERMINOLOGY Heterotrophs must get their food from other organisms and are called consumers (ex. animals). The process through which consumers use the energy is called respiration. The basic reaction for respiration is: C6H12O6 + 6O2  6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (sugar) (ATP)

WHO KNEW??? What do you notice about the two equations? energy + 6CO2 + 6H2O  C6H12O6 + 6O2 THEY ARE OPPOSITES!!! C6H12O6 + 6O2  6CO2 + 6H2O + energy

TERMINOLOGY Organisms that break down the remains of dead animals as well as animal waste are called decomposers. If it were not for decomposers, plants would not get the essential nutrients they need and waste would PILE UP!

EWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

TERMINOLOGY Scavengers are a type of decomposer that eat the remains of dead animals. This causes the remains to be broken down into tiny pieces. Examples include flies, wasps, and cockroaches. Fungi and earthworms are decomposers that break down plants.

YUMMY!!!

ECOLOGY Ecology covers many topics regarding organisms and their environments and the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors associated with it.