What is Ecology? Defined: Studying how life interacts within the biosphere is called Ecology All life interacts within the biosphere – Area within the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains

Defined: Group of one species living in the same area Population changes based on: – Births, Deaths, Immigration, Emigration, Available resources Click on information box Populations

Limiting Factors Birth & death rates eventually balance – Factors: Disease, food, predators, climate, space, mates Populations become stable Carrying Capacity: greatest number of individuals that a population can sustain What stage is the human population in?

Human Population: Fast Growth Stage How have humans extended our carrying capacity? Farming Medical innovations Clean water Public assistance

Rapid Future Population Increase Typical Reproductive years

Slow Future Population Increase Typical Reproductive years

Stable Population Typical Reproductive years

Declining Future Population Growth

Which shows a declining population? Typical Reproductive years

Communities Defined: Populations of many species living in the same area at the same time Each organism has it own HABITAT – Habitat: Place where an organism lives Each species has its own NICHE – Niche: The role/needs of a species – Ex: Termites return nutrients to the soil

Ecosystems Defined: Community of species interacting with the living & non-living Desert Biotic Factors: – Animals: Mice, Reptiles, Insects – Plants: Cactus, Flowers, Shrubs Desert Abiotic Factors: Sand, rocks, sunlight Ecosystem changes affect biodiversity – Keystone species greatly alter ecosystems

Factors of Ecosystems Biotic Factors: – Bio = Life Defined: Living factors of an environment Ex: Predators/prey Abiotic Factors – A = without – Bio = Life Defined: Nonliving factors of an environment Ex: Soil, Climate, temps, water, wind

What is a Biome? Defined: Large area with distinct climate, plant, and animal life Climate factors: sun, rain, topography Climate determines life