1 Biology 260 : Ecology Professors Jen Klug and Tod Osier Lecture: T, F 11-12:15 Klug Labs: 2- 4:50 M, W Osier T, Th Klug Labs meet BNW N309

2 Sept. 5 first lecture Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Active outdoor lab – dress for weather Indoor lab – bring calculator Week of Sept. 1 Week of Sept. 8 Week of Sept. 15 Week of Sept. 22 Outdoor lab – dress for weather

3 Outline Who are we? What is Ecology? What will this course be like?

4 Who are we?

5 What is Ecology?

6 What do ecologists study? What questions do they ask? How do they answer questions? What is Ecology?

7 What do ecologists study?

8 Organism – fundamental unit of ecology; an individual living being bounded by a covering which separates it from its environment Organismal ecologists focus on how the organism interacts with its environment to survive and reproduce

9 Population – group of organisms of the same species that live in a particular area Population ecologists focus on changes in the number of individuals over time

10 Community – many populations of different species living in a particular area Community ecologists focus on consequences of interactions among populations

11 Ecosystem – communities of organisms and the physical and chemical components of their environment Ecosystem ecologists focus on movement of energy and matter through different compartments

12 What questions do they ask?

13 Salmon River, East Haddam Organism - focus on survival and reproduction Wild Rice individuals

14 Salmon River, East Haddam Population - focus on birth and death Wild Rice Population

15 Salmon River, East Haddam Community - focus on interactions b/w populations Populations of maple, hickory, and oak trees

16 Salmon River, East Haddam Ecosystem - focus on flow of energy and matter Tidal river ecosystem

17 Osier Klug Poincelot Brousseau M. Hill

18 How do ecologists answer questions? 1. Observation and description 2. Development of hypotheses 3. Testing of hypotheses

19 Salmon River, East Haddam What would you do to describe and observe this system?

20 Salmon River, East Haddam Patterns Common reed (Phragmites) is increasing along the banks of the river Nitrogen content of the river is increasing

21 1. Observation and description 2. Development of hypotheses 3. Testing of hypotheses

22 Patterns Common reed (Phragmites) is increasing along the banks of the river Nitrogen content of the river is increasing Hypothesis = explanation of pattern Increases in nitrogen stimulate Phragmites growth

23 1. Observation and description 2. Development of hypotheses 3. Testing of hypotheses

24 3. Testing of hypotheses Predictions Experiments Models

25 Predictions: If nitrogen levels in the river are reduced, increase in Phragmites should stop Correlation vs. causation problem Hypothesis Increases in nitrogen stimulate Phragmites growth

26 Experiments: grow Phragmites under different nitrogen conditions Hypothesis Increases in nitrogen stimulate Phragmites growth

27 Models: model spread of Phragmites under different nitrogen scenarios Current area of Phragmites Future area of Phragmites growth or decline = function of nitrogen but also temp, water flow, oxygen etc. Hypothesis Increases in nitrogen stimulate Phragmites growth

28 What is Ecology? - Summary Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and between organisms and their environment. Ecological systems are arranged hierarchically from organisms to the biosphere. Ecologists use a variety of approaches to answer both basic and applied questions.

29 What will this course be like? Structure Environmental variability Organisms Ecosystems Populations Species interactions Communities Applied Ecological Issues

30 What will this course be like? Grading Lecture: 70% of grade - midterm 1 15% - midterm 2 20% - midterm 3 20% - cumulative final 35% - in-class assignments/quizzes 10% Lab: 30% of grade - lab exam 40% - in-class assignments/quizzes 20% - final presentation 25% - participation 15%

31 Lecture outlines – up by 9 am Lab handouts will be available on the web Download and read handouts before each lab - pay attention to section on attire - pop quizzes (easy) to ensure that you come prepared

32 What will this course be like? Rules 1.Tardiness – if you’re late, don’t be disruptive 2.Attendance – your choice 3.Courtesy – if someone else is talking, don’t 4.Honesty – temptation to cheat is huge, don’t do it