1. 3-1 What is Ecology?

2. 1. Ecology
A. Scientific study of interactions between organisms, each other and with their environment.
B. Each organism plays a role for the survival for each other and for their environment.
2. Biosphere
A. Contains the combined portions of the planet in which all life exists.
1. 3 other spheres
a. Lithosphere (land)
b. Hydrosphere (water)
c. Atmosphere (air)

3. 3 Spheres on Earth

4. A. Species/organism – Group of organisms so similar to one another that they can breed and produce fertile offspring.

5. B. Populations – groups of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area.

6. C. Communities – Groups of different populations that live together in a defined area.

7. D. Ecosystem- Includes all the livings organisms (biotic) and nonliving things (abiotic) in a particular place (large area)

8. E. Biome – Group of ecosystems that have the same climate and similar dominant communities, such as plants and animals of similarity.

9. F. Biosphere- contains the combine planet in which all life exists
F. Biosphere- contains the combine planet in which all life exists. (Same as above notes)
1. Extends 8-10 km above Earth’s surface and to the deepest depth in the ocean.