1. What is Ecology?
Ecology

2. POINT > Define Ecology
POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
POINT > Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors
POINT > Identify approaches to the study of ecology

3. POINT > Define Ecology
Ecology: The study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their physical environment
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

4. POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Species: A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce healthy, fertile offspring

5. POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Population: Group of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area*

6. Community: All the different populations that live together in an area
POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Community: All the different populations that live together in an area

7. POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Ecosystem: All the organisms that live in an area, along with the physical environment

8. WB CHECK: Which of the following includes only one species?
A) Ecosystem B) Population C) Community
Which of the following includes non-living factors?

9. POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Biome: A group of ecosystems that share similar climates & typical organisms i.e. tundra, taiga, tropical rain forest, etc

10. Biosphere: All life on Earth & all parts of Earth in which life exists
POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Biosphere: All life on Earth & all parts of Earth in which life exists
Review the prefixes “bio” and “a.” Review “habitat” if needed.
Examples of biotic factors: moose, shrubs, humans, dogs, flowers etc.
Examples of abiotic factors: water, soil, rocks, air, etc.

11. POINT > Identify the levels of organization we use to describe ecology
Biosphere
Biome
Ecosystem
Community
Population
Species

12. POINT > Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors
Biotic factors: Any LIVING part of the environment with which organisms interact (animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, etc)

13. POINT > Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors
Abiotic factors: Any NONLIVING part of the environment (sunlight, heat, precipitation, humidity, wind, soil type, etc)

14. WB CHECK:
Which of the following is an abiotic factor?
A) Grass B) River C) Bacteria
Which of the following is a biotic factor?
A) Rainfall B) Temperature C) Moss

15. POINT > Identify approaches to the study of ecology
1. Observation (ex. Jane Goodall, Diane Fossey)

16. POINT > Identify approaches to the study of ecology
2. Experimentation (Controlled or in nature) Ex. Experimental Lakes Area: 58 Lakes in Ontario used for eco studies

17. POINT > Identify approaches to the study of ecology
3. Modeling Done with difficult things to study…time, size, etc

18. Homework:
Read pages 64-68
#1-4 page 68
Senior Biology 2 Workbook page 344