Unit One Ecology

Ecology n The study of the relationships that exist between organisms and their environments.

Ecological interactions are influenced by two types of factors n Abiotic Factors n Biotic Factors

Biotic Factors n These include all living organisms and their effects both direct and indirect on other living things n May include organisms that were recently alive

Examples of Biotic Factors n Predator prey relationships n disease causing bacteria n poisonous plants n a huge tree that has fallen across a path n a dead moose that is found in a bog

Abiotic Factors n The nonliving factors in an environment that effect ecological interactions n These factors define what type of organisms can live in a particular area n There are several important abiotic factors

Important Abiotic Factors n Light Availability n Temperature n Availability of Water n Composition of soil and nutrient/mineral availability

Light Availability n Light from the sun (solar energy) is the ultimate energy source for all living things n The availability of light energy differs greatly on different parts of the earth

Temperature n As you change latitude or altitude on the earth the temperature patterns change greatly

Water availability n The amount of precipitaion differs depending where on the earth you are

Soil composition and availability of Minerals/Nutrients n The development of soil will determine such factors as pH, amount of organic nutrients, amount and type of minerals present

Biosphere n The area of land air and water on or around the earth in which all living things can be found