1. CYCLES IN NATURE
Biology Ecology Unit

2. Vocabulary Ecology: The scientific study of interactions between
organisms and their environment
Species: a group of similar organisms that breed and produce
Fertile offspring
Population: a group of individuals of the same organisms that live in the same area
Community: a collection of different populations that live together in an area

3. In order to study Ecology scientists must use the scientific method.
Ecologists often use observations, experiments, and models.
ENERGY FLOW…….
Organisms use energy from their environment to life processes.
Living organisms get energy in different ways
Most organisms get energy from the SUN…THE SUN IS THE MAIN
SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR LIFE
Organisms that use the sunlight or chemicals to make food are called
Autotrophs or producers.
1. the use sunlight to make food is called photosynthesis
2. the use of chemicals from organic compounds is called chemosynthesis

4. Vocabulary Continued
Ecosystem: All of the living organisms in the same place,
with their physical environment
Biome: a group of ecosystems with the same climate and
Similar dominant communities
Biosphere: the part of the planet where all life exists (where there is water, land, and air)

5. Photosynthesis: when an organism uses light energy to make food
In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are changed
to carbohydrates and oxygen. Plants and some algae, and
certain bacteria carry out the process of photosynthesis.
Chemosynthesis: when an organism uses chemicals that are stored in
Organic chemicals, to make food, specifically carbohydrates. ONLY
Certain types of bacteria carry out chemosynthesis.

6. HERTEROTROPHS Organisms that rely on other organisms to survive
Herbivores
Carnivores
Omnivores
Detritivores
decomposers

9. The Water Cycle
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10. The Carbon Cycle

12. Oxygen Cycle