1. Introduction to ecology
Key Terminology

2. Ecology
Study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment

3. Levels of Organization
These terms will help us specify what we study!

4. Levels of Organization
Individual
Single organism
Ex:
This rabbit

5. Levels of Organization
Species
Group of organisms so similar that they can breed and produce fertile offspring
Ex:
Rabbits

6. Levels of Organization
Population
Group of individuals of same species that live in same area
Ex:
This group of
rabbits that
live together in
this area

7. Levels of Organization
Community
Group of populations living together in same area
Ex:
The population of rabbits living in a forest (a population of trees) along with a population of deer, a population of squirrels, a population of foxes, and many others

8. Levels of Organization
Ecosystem
All organisms living in same area along with physical environment itself
Ex:
The previously mentioned ecosystem along with all non-living components as well, such as the ground, water, air, etc.

9. Levels of Organization
Biome
Group of ecosystems of similar climate
Ex:
Forest biome

10. Levels of Organization
Biosphere
All living things and area life inhabits
Ex:
Earth!

11. Ecological Factors
Ecosystems can be affected by biotic or abiotic factors
Biotic Factor
Living things affective organisms
Abiotic Factor
Physical and chemical characteristics of environment

12. Key Terms

13. Niche An organism’s niche is the role it plays in an ecosystem
Generalists VS specialists

14. Producer/Autotroph
An organism that produces its own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) or inorganic chemicals (chemosynthesis)

15. Producer/Autotroph
Ex:
Largest tree on Earth!

16. Producer/Autotroph
Ex:
Bacteria that live on hydrothermal vents

17. Productivity Gross Primary Productivity
Rate at which producers in an ecosystem capture sun energy by producing organic compounds
***some energy used, some stored (as biomass)***
Net Primary Productivity
Rate at which biomass accumulates
(GPP – energy used)

18. Consumer/Heterotroph
An organism that relies on other organisms for its food

19. Consumer/Heterotroph
Herbivore
Plant eater
Ex:

20. Consumer/Heterotroph
Carnivore
Meat eater
Ex:

21. Consumer/Heterotroph
Omnivore
Eats both plants and meat
Ex:

22. Consumer/Heterotroph
Detrivore
Feed on plant and animal remains and other dead matter called detritus
Ex:

23. Consumer/Heterotroph
Decomposer
Bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter
Ex:

24. Community Interactions
Relationships that organisms have with others in an ecological community

25. Competition
Organisms of the same or different species attempt to use an ecological resource (any necessity of life) in the same place at the same time
Ex:

26. Predation
One organism captures and preys on another

27. Predation
Ex:

28. Symbiosis Any relationship in which two species live closely together
There are 3 subcategories of symbiosis

29. Mutualism
Both species benefit from the interaction
Ex:

30. Mutualism
Both species benefit from the interaction
Ex:

31. Mutualism
Both species benefit from the interaction
Ex:

32. Commensalism
One species is helped and the other species is not affected
Ex:

33. Commensalism
One species is helped and the other species is not affected
Ex:

34. Parasitism
One species is helped (parasite) and the other is hurt (host)
Ex:

35. Parasitism
One species is helped (parasite) and the other is hurt (host)
Ex: