Introduction to Ecology What is Ecology?

Interactions and Interdependence Ecology – field of science that studies the interactions of organisms and between organisms and their environment “eco-”“oikos” (Greek)“house” “ology”“study of” Ecology is the study of nature’s houses!

Interactions and Interdependence The largest of these “houses” is the biosphere Biosphere – combined portions of the planet in which all life exists, including land water and air The biosphere is ~8 km above earth’s surface and ~11 km below ocean’s surface INTERACTIONS within the biosphere create a web of INTERDEPENDENCE is created between organisms and their environment

Levels of Organization Cell – basic unit of life Tissue – groups of similar cells Organs – groups of similar tissues Organ Systems – groups of organs with a similar function Organism – groups of organ systems that make up an individual Species – group of similar organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring Population – group of same species in the same area Community – group of different populations in the same area Ecosystem – all living and non-living things in the same area Biome – group of ecosystems with similar climates and communities Biosphere – all biomes put together Non-EcologyEcology

Organism (Giraffe) Population (Herd of Giraffes) Community (Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Trees, Grass) Ecosystem (Living and Non-living) Biome (Southeast area of Africa outlined in yellow) Biosphere (Earth)

Ecological Methods Ecologists have three (3) basic approaches to conducting research: Observing Ex: Jane Goodall Experimentation Artificial environment in laboratory or within natural ecosystem Modeling Often used to study phenomena that occur over a long period of time (e.g. global warming)