1. Latin and Greek Root Words
a = without
auto = self
bio = life
carni = flesh
chemo = chemical
de = away from
eco = house
herb = plant
hetero = other
-ology = study of
omni = all
photo = light
phyte = plant
-troph = feeder
-vore = one who eats
zoa = animal

2. Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

3. What is ecology? Ecology –
study of the interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment

5. Levels of Organization Studied in Ecology
species → populations → communities → ecosystems → biomes → biosphere

6. species – group of organisms able to reproduce fertile offspring

7. populations – belong to the same species and live in the same area

8. communities – many populations living in the same area and interact (food, shelter)

9. Ecosystem – community and its physical environment
Ecosystem – community and its physical environment ex: forest, prairie, coral reef

10. biome – group of ecosystems recognized by their climate and vegetation ex: tropical rain forest, grasslands, desert

11. biosphere – combined portions of the planet in which all of life exists includes land, water, and air

13. Organization of Life Biosphere Ecosystems Communities Populations
Organisms

14. Ecosystems

15. Ecosystems
Ecosystems are influenced by both biological and physical factors.
These factors determine the survival and growth of an organism and the productivity of an ecosystem

16. 2 Parts of an Environment
All things that affect living things
1. Biotic factors
- biological or living
- includes all organisms
ex: plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and, protists

18. 2. Abiotic factors physical or nonliving
climate (temp., precipitation, humidity), wind, nutrient availability, soil type, sunlight

21. List the biotic and abiotic factors.

24. Characteristic of Life
All living things must obtain and use energy.

25. Energy Flow
Energy flow through an ecosystem determines the systems capacity to sustain life.
Sunlight is the main energy source for life
Some organisms rely on the energy stored in inorganic chemical compounds.

26. The Energy Connection 1. producers = autotrophs
Organisms get energy as either:
1. producers = autotrophs
2. consumers = heterotrophs
3. decomposers – natures recyclers

27. Producers Autotrophs Feeder Self
capture energy from sunlight or inorganic chemicals and use that energy to store food
Ex: plants, algae, some bacteria
Feeder
Self

29. Processes – Photosynthesis
Chemosynthesis – use chemical energy found in the chemical bonds of inorganic
molecules to produce carbohydrates

30. Consumers
Heterotrophs can only get their energy from the energy trapped by the autotrophs.
They rely on autotrophs for their food and energy.
Hetero - other
Troph = feeder

31. Types of Heterotrophs herbivores carnivores omnivores detritivores
decomposers

32. herbivores – eat plants, cows and deer

33. carnivores – eat animals, snakes and owls

34. omnivores – eat both plants and animals, humans and bears

35. detritivores feed on dead organic matter (detritus)
earthworms and crabs

36. decomposers – break down organic matter and recycle the elements
bacteria and fungi

37. Anything you eat can be traced back to a PRODUCER which can be traced back to the SUN!

38. What types of interactions are studied in the science of ecology?
List the levels of ecological organization from the individual to biosphere.
What is an ecosystem?
What determines an ecosystems capacity to sustain life?
What is the source of all energy on Earth?
Name 2 ways autotrophs can get their energy.
How do heterotrophs get their energy?
What is detritus?
Give an example of a decomposer.
Name the type of heterotroph:
a. That are recyclers b. That eat plants
c. That feed on flesh d. That feed on dead organic matter
e. That feed on both plants and animals