Chapter 13: Energy and Nutrients Section 13:1 Introduction to Ecology
Introduction Complete worksheet by looking at pages 280-281 Discuss!
What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of interactions between different kinds of living things and between living things and the environments in which they live. Study of the biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components of the biosphere
Ecological Research See handout! Ecologists use three research methods: Observation Experimentation Modeling See handout!
Why study ecology? Provides us with information necessary to understand and resolve environmental and ecological issues Examples: agricultural changes, depletion of fish populations, global climate change, and countless others!
Web of Interdependence Ecologists recognize two ecological truths: Our planet is home to not only humans but also many other life forms. The health of human society depends on the well-being of all living things. Life is interdependent because we all rely on each other for energy and nutrients.