1. ECOLOGY
What is ecology the study of?

2. Ecology
The scientific study of interactions between different kinds of living things and the environments in which they live.

3. ‘Eco’ stands for the Greek word ‘oikos’
logy = _________

4. Why Care About Ecology?
Ecological research provides us with the necessary info. to resolve many of the environmental problems that surround us.

5. We are dependent upon the world’s ecosystems, therefore, we must learn how to keep the environment safe for all living organisms.

6. Ecosystem
A particular environment in which a group of organisms live (broad area)

7. Habitat
Localized, or smaller version of an ecosystem

8. Ecosystems are made up of two factors…
Biotic (living)
Abiotic (non-living)

9. Biomes
A local habitat characterized by its climate, & therefore by the organisms that live there.

10. Desert, rainforest, tundra, arctic, temperate forests, etc.
Examples of Biomes
Desert, rainforest, tundra, arctic, temperate forests, etc.

11. Biodiversity
Biological diversity is one of the most important, yet much ignored resources on our planet

12. Biodiversity is the genetically based variety of living organisms in the biosphere.
Biodiversity is important for many reasons including agriculture, medicine, and recreation.

13. Biodiversity is connected to ecosystem diversity, both of which are being destroyed.

14. Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Food Chain vs Food Web…
Autotroph:__________________
Heterotroph:________________
Herbivore, omnivore, carnivore, decomposer

15. Energy in trophic levels _____________ as you move up the pyramid
Biomass __________________as you move up the energy pyramids

16. Biogeochemical Cycles (Nutrient Cycles)
Carbon
Water
Nitrogen