Ecology Characteristics of a healthy/mature ecosystem Relationships Parts Cycles Ecology

Word Definition Picture or example Biotic factors Abiotic factors Species Population Community Ecosystem Biome Biosphere Habitat Niche Predation Parasitism Mutualism Commensalism

Ecology The study of the relationship of living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

A healthy ecosystem Biodiversity Population in check (right number of consumers and producers) Nutrient recycling high

Parts Biotic factors Abiotic factors Species Population Community Ecosystem Biome Biosphere Habitat Niche

Relationships Predation Parasitism Mutualism Commensalism

Cycles Energy Nitrogen Carbon Phosphorus Water Succession

Other topics Populations Biodiversity disturbances

Organisms and Their Environment

Habitat & Niche Habitat is the place a plant or animal lives in Niche is the adaptations and strategies a species uses in it’s environment.

The Nonliving Environment Abiotic factors- the nonliving parts of an organism’s environment. Examples include air currents, temperature, moisture, light, and soil. Abiotic factors affect an organism’s life.

The Living Environment Biotic factors- all the living organisms that inhabit an environment. All organisms depend on others directly or indirectly for food, shelter, reproduction, or protection.

Abiotic or Biotic? Abiotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Biotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Abiotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Biotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Abiotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Biotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Abiotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Biotic

Abiotic or Biotic? Abiotic

The Deer Population A field study was conducted to observe a deer population in a given region over time. The deer were counted at different intervals over a period of 40 years. During this period of time both ranching and hunting increased in the study region. A summary of the data is presented in the table.

Questions on Deer Population During which 10 year period did the greatest increase in the deer population occur? State one possible action that could have been used to help maintain a more stable population of deer in the area. Identify an abiotic limiting factor for the deer populations. Identify a biotic limiting factor for the deer populations. List two problems an overpopulation of deer can cause in the environment.