2. Introduction to Ecology
(MS-LS2-1)
(MS-LS2-2)

3. Introduction to Ecology - Notes
Slide 1 - What is Ecology?
Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments.
Organisms are anything that can live and survive on its own.
Single celled organisms – any one-celled system that lives and thrives independently (on its own).
Multi-celled organisms – any system consisting of 2 or more cells that lives and thrives independently.

4. Slide 2 – Characteristics of Living
There are 6 characteristics (traits) that all living organisms share;
All living things have DNA
All living things have Cells
All living things Grow and Develop
All living things respond to stimuli
All living things Reproduce
All living things use Energy

5. Slide 3 – Levels of Organization
All living organisms are organized into levels based on their complexity and distinctive characteristics.
Levels (from least complex to most) Cells Tissues Organs Organ System Organism
Levels (from least complex to most) Organism Population Community Ecosystem Biome

6. Slide 4 – Living or Not
The term Abiotic refers to all of the non-living factors that affect organisms living in a particular environment.
The term Biotic refers to the parts of an environment that live together and interact with one another.
Essential Question: Is water an Abiotic or Biotic factor? Use the space on the recording sheet to draw and/or explain your response.

7. Slide 5 – Once Living or Not?
The term Organic refers to any Biotic or Abiotic matter that comes from living matter and is Carbon based.
The term Inorganic refers to any matter that does not come from living sources (current or prior). Synthetic.
Essential Question: Are rocks organic or inorganic? Use the space on the recording sheet to draw and/or explain your response.

8. Slide 6 – EcoFriendly Vocabulary
Population
Same species same place same time
Community
Multiple Populations same place same time
 Ecosystem 
All of the Biotic factors (living things) and the Abiotic factors (non-living) and their interactions within a specific environment.

9. Slide 7 – EcoFriendly Questions
What is it? ____________________
Abiotic or Biotic? _______________
Organic or Inorganic? ______________________________ 1
What is it? ____________________
Abiotic or Biotic? _______________
Organic or Inorganic? ______________________________ 2

10. Food Chains and Food Webs

11. Energy (BioMass) Pyramids