Ecology The study of interactions that occur among organisms and their environment.

Ecosystems All the living organisms and the non-living things in an area. What are the living and non-living things?

Is it alive?

Characteristics of all living things 1.Cellular organization 2.Contain similar chemicals (DNA) 3.Use energy 4.Grow and develop 5.Respond to their surroundings 6.Reproduce

So…..is it alive?

Biotic-alive or once alive. It will belong to one of the five kingdoms Monera, Protista, Fungus, Plant, Animal

Abiotic -non-living, physical features of an environment Includes- air, water, sun, soil, temperature, and climate (long term weather patterns)

All the biotic and abiotic parts of an environment play an important role in the functioning of that ecosystem.

Niche (rhymes with itch) An organism’s role (job) in its environment. –Includes how it obtains food and shelter, finds a mate, cares for its young, and avoids danger.

Biotic parts of an ecosystem will belong to one of the following levels

Biotic Levels of Organization in an Ecosystem Organism – a single living individual Population – all the organisms of that species living in an area

Community – all the populations of all species living in an area. (plants, animals, etc.) Ecosystem – all the living and non- living things in an area. (biotic and abiotic things)

Habitat The place where an organism lives

Types of habitats Biomes- Large geographic areas that have similar climates and ecosystems.

Biomes Tundra, Taiga, Deciduous Forest, Rain Forest, Grasslands, Deserts, Freshwater, and Marine.

Homework Describe how the following abiotic parts of an ecosystem are important for your survival. air, water, sun, soil, temperature, and climate (long term weather pattern)

Key Terms Ecosystem Habitat Biotic factor Abiotic factor Photosynthesis Species Population Community ecology Population density Estimate Birth rate Death rate Immigration Emigration Limiting factor Carrying capacity

Limiting Factors Food Space Weather Conditions Carrying capacity is the largest population that an environment can support.

Limiting Factors Are environmental factors that prevents a population from increasing.

Key Ideas An organism’s habitat provides food, water, shelter, and other things the organism needs to live, grow, and reproduce. An ecosystem includes both biotic and abiotic factors. Ecologists study how the biotic and abiotic factors interact within an ecosystem.