2. What is Ecology? Interactions between organisms & environment
Interdisciplinary: chemistry, physics, geology, math
Statistical model of roads built in tropical rainforest by the year 2060

3. Where does life exist? Geologic regions Atmosphere – layer of gases
Lithosphere – land part of Earth (rock, soil, sand)
Hydrosphere – all Earth’s water

4. How much of the Earth do you think this region takes up?
Biosphere
All the spheres
Portion of Earth that supports life
How much of the Earth do you think this region takes up?

5. 2 types of factors influence organism’s environment
Abiotic – nonliving elements (rain, wind, soil, temperature)
Biotic – living factors

6. Ecological Organization

7. Organism – has all characteristics of life
Population – group of organisms living together at same time; reproduce

8. Community – several populations in same area at same time
Ecosystem – interactions between populations in a community & abiotic elements in their surroundings
Habitats
Niches
Species interactions

9. Niche & Habitat Habitat –where organism lives out its life
Includes abiotic & biotic factors
Not static
Niche – organism’s role & location in its environment to meet unique needs
How organism:
Obtains food
Finds shelter
Reproduces
Reduces competition

10. Influences on Ecosystems
Can you think of any examples of things that might influence a habitat?
Natural & human causes

11. Examples
Natural Disasters: a) Hurricane Katrina, 2005
Before
After

12. b) Volcanic Eruptions: Mount St. Helens, Washington State
May, 1980
Before
After

13. c) Weather patterns: Regular & extreme weather conditions

14. Competition

15. Intraspecific – between members of same species
Fight for same resources
Habitat
Nutrients
Water
Soil
Abundant resources = sharing

16. Example: Blue satin bower bird

17. Interspecific – between members of different species
Number of individuals
Resource use
Species 1
Species 2
Region of
niche overlap

18. Predator-prey Relationships
One organism seeks another for food
Maintains balance
Prey species may benefit (↓ competition, ↑ food)
Predator Strategies
Ambush
Camouflage

19. Prey Strategies 1. Defense Quick escape Predator detection
Nebraskan cockroach
Meerkat keeping watch

20. Protective shells, bark, spines
Camouflage
Red-eared slider
Porcupine
Stick bug

21. 2. Chemical warfare – poisons, odors, irritants, unpleasant taste
**Organisms using this strategy often have bright, warning colors
3. Behavior – mimicry, group size
Skunk
Monarch
Viceroy

22. Symbiotic Relationships (close association)
3 types:
1. Parasitism – feeds on and lives on/in host; ( +, - )
White-tailed deer - host
Deer tick - parasite

23. Rhinoceros and Horn-billed Puffin/ Rhinoceros Auklet
2. Mutualism – ( +, + )
Pollination
Food supply
Protection
Clownfish and Sea Anemone
Rhinoceros and Horn-billed Puffin/ Rhinoceros Auklet

24. 3. Commensalism – ( +, o )
Grey whale and Barnacles