1. Ecology is
These interactions are two-way: organisms are affected by their environment, and by their presence and activities, change their environment

2. The environment refers to everything that surrounds an organism
Consists of:
Hydrosphere (water)
Lithosphere (rocks)
Biosphere (living organisms)

3. Organisms and the Environment
The environment of any organism includes
Abiotic, or nonliving components

4. Subfields of Ecology Organismal ecology
Studies how an organism’s structure, physiology, and (for animals) behavior meet the challenges posed by the environment

5. Population ecology

6. Community ecology
Deals with the whole array of interacting species in a community

7. Ecosystem ecology
Emphasizes energy flow and chemical cycling among the various biotic and abiotic components

8. It is the portion of earth where life exists
The biosphere is the global ecosystem, the sum of all the planet’s ecosystems
It is the portion of earth where life exists
Includes the atmosphere up to several kilometers
Rocks down to ~1500 meters

9. Habitat
The biosphere can exhibit patchiness, both on a large, regional scale (deserts, mountains) or on smaller, local levels (forest, meadow, lake, stream)
The habitat is the environmental situation in which an organism lives
The particular ecosystem/habitat where an organism lives is affected by a variety of physical and chemical factors

10. Abiotic factors that affect the distribution of organisms may include
Temperature
Water
Sunlight
Rocks and soil

11. Environmental temperature
Is an important factor in the distribution of organisms because of its effects on biological processes/metabolism

12. Water
Water availability among habitats is another important factor in species distribution

13. Sunlight
Solar energy or sunlight powers all surface terrestrial and shallow water ecosystems
Most photosynthesis occurs near the surface of a body of water
Light is also important to the development and behavior of organisms sensitive to the photoperiod

14. Wind
Wind
Amplifies the effects of temperature on organisms by increasing heat loss due to evaporation and convection

15. Rocks and Soil
Many characteristics of soil limit the distribution of plants and thus the animals that feed upon them
Physical structure pH

16. Other abiotic factors
Gases like O2, CO2, N2, H2O
Nutrient, mineral availability

17. Factors affecting distribution of plant species
Temperature and water
Light
Soil pH
Salinity

18. Factors affecting distribution of animal species
Temperature
Water
Breeding sites
Food supply

19. Climate
What type of organisms inhabit a particular area is influenced by the climate

20. Four major abiotic components make up climate
Temperature, water, sunlight, and wind
Climate

21. Climate patterns can be described on two scales
Microclimate, very fine patterns, such as those encountered by the community of organisms underneath a fallen log

22. Global Climate Patterns
Earth’s global climate patterns
Are determined largely by the input of solar energy and the planet’s movement in space

23. Sunlight intensity plays a major part in determining the Earth’s climate patterns

24. Seasonality The angle of the sun
Leads to many seasonal changes in local environments

25. Ocean currents are affected by prevailing winds, planet’s rotation, unequal heating of surface water, location and shape of continents

26. Air circulation and wind patterns play major parts in determining the Earth’s climate patterns

27. Oceans and their currents, and large lakes
Bodies of Water
Oceans and their currents, and large lakes
Moderate the climate of nearby terrestrial environments

28. Mountains have a significant effect on
The amount of sunlight reaching an area
Local temperature

29. Varying combinations of both biotic and abiotic factors
Abiotic and biotic factors influence the structure and dynamics of aquatic biomes
Varying combinations of both biotic and abiotic factors
Determine the nature of Earth’s many biomes
Biomes

30. The examination of biomes will begin with Earth’s aquatic biomes

31. Aquatic biomes
Account for the largest part of the biosphere in terms of area
Can contain fresh or salt water
Oceans
Cover about 75% of Earth’s surface

32. Many aquatic biomes
Are stratified into zones or layers defined by light penetration, temperature, and depth

33. Climate largely determines the distribution and structure of terrestrial biomes

34. Climate and Terrestrial Biomes
Climate has a great impact on the distribution of organisms, as seen on a climograph

35. General Features of Terrestrial Biomes
Are often named for major physical or climatic factors and for their predominant vegetation