Ecology Study of organisms and their interaction with each other and the environment

Levels

Biosphere Everywhere on the planet that supports life

Biome Group of ecosystems with same climate and dominant communities

Ecosystem Biotic and abiotic factors in a particular area

Examples of… Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors Living or once living Nonliving Ex. Rocks, water, temp. Biotic Factors Living or once living Ex. Deer, dead leaves

Community All living things in an ecosystem

Population One species in an ecosystem

Niche Role or job of an organism

Habitat Place where organism lives

ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS -Used to show relationships among trophic levels of food chains.

WHAT USUALLY DECREASES AS YOU GO UP THE PYRAMID? 1. Number of organisms - More blades of grass than rabbits, more rabbits than foxes. 2. Biomass - Total dry weight of organisms at each level of the pyramid. Energy - energy is lost as you move up the pyramid due to metabolism of the plant /animal below. 10% energy continues to next level.

CHANGES IN THE ECOSYSTEM CAUSE CHANGES IN THE PYRAMID - BUT THESE WILL EVENTUALLY BALANCE THEMSELVES OUT.

Example: Drought

Example: Disease in the Herbivore

Example: Shortage of predators

Symbiosis Relationship between two species living closely together Three types

1. Parasitism One benefits, other is harmed

2. Mutualism Both benefit

Commensalism One benefits, other not affected