Principles of Ecology Heading Vocabulary Important Info Chapters 2, 3, 4, & 5

B. Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors A. What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. B. Biotic vs. Abiotic Factors Biosphere – portion of the Earth supporting life Biotic factors a. All organisms inhabiting the environment b. The “living” things in the environment c. Each organism adapts to its part of the biosphere Abiotic factors a. Nonliving parts of the environment b. Can determine which species will survive examples: rainfall, temperature, light, soil

Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors ECOSYSTEM

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C. Levels of Biological Organization Organism/Species: group of organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring. Populations a. A group of organisms of the same species living together b. Must compete for resources Community a. Several populations that interact b. Changes in one population will cause changes in the others Ecosystem a. Interactions between populations and their surroundings b. 2 main types: 1. Terrestrial – land 2. Aquatic – fresh or salt water

A keystone species is a species that has an unusually large effect on its ecosystem.

Levels of Biological Organization

Changing one factor in an ecosystem can affect many other factors. Biodiversity is the assortment, or variety, of living things in an ecosystem. In general, where do we find more biodiversity?

D. Niche vs. Habitat The role an organism plays in the environment (Its “job” in the community) Habitat Place where an organism lives Three Species of Warblers and their niches Cape May Warbler Feeds at the tips of branches near the top of the tree Bay-Breasted Warbler Feeds in the middle part of the tree Yellow-Rumped Warbler Feeds in the lower part of the tree and at the bases of the middle branches Spruce tree

Earthworm Example Habitat of the earthworm: in the soil. Niche: To aerate ( add air to or oxygenate) the soil.

Formative Assessment Ch. 13 Section 2- p. 380 Select an ecosystem that is familiar to you and describe the biotic and abiotic factors that exist there. Biotic- living factors Abiotic- non-living factors

2. How would the removal of a keystone species affect an ecosystem’s biodiversity? Increase or decrease? DECREASE!

3. Explain how a change in an abiotic factor such as sunlight would affect biodiversity. Change in temp change in numbers and types of species in an ecosystem  new species may move into area taking the place of those that can’t survive

4. Humans are sometimes described as being a keystone species, does this label fit? Why or why not? Keystone species help establish and maintain complex web of life Humans DON’T fit b/c human activities often decrease or harm biodiversity

Temp could affect food available creating another selective pressure. 5. What role might an abiotic factor such as temperature play in the evolution of a species? Long-term temp. change= selective pressure that selects which individuals? Best adapted to the changed temp will survive. Temp could affect food available creating another selective pressure.