Introduction to ecology 2
- 2. What is Ecology? Ecology: the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment Involves observing relationship patterns and seeking to explain them
- 3. Levels of Ecological Organization 1) Biosphere: Earth & its atmosphere 2) Biome: very large climatic regions 3) Ecosystem: organisms and non-living things in one area 4) Community: interacting organisms in one area 5) Population: all members of one species in an area 6) Organism: how they are adapted to their environments
- 5. Interdependence “Interconnectedness” All organisms interact with other organisms and non-living things in the environment Survival depends on this Any disturbance may cause widespread effects
- 6. Factors that Influence Organisms 2 Types: 1) Biotic Factors: “living” i.e. bacteria, plants, animals 2) Abiotic: “non-living” i.e. temperature, pH, climate
- 7. Adaptations A trait with a current functional role in the life history of an organism Is maintained and evolved by means of natural selection. Adaptations enhance the fitness and survival of individuals.
- 8. Survival Mechanisms 1)Acclimation: organisms adjust their tolerance to abiotic factors (NOT adaptation!!) 2) Dormancy: state of decreased activity in response to unfavorable conditions 3) Migration: when organisms move to more favorable environmental conditions
- 9. Niche Niche: the specific role a species plays in the environment Includes: The conditions they can tolerate Their methods of obtaining resources # of offspring created Time of reproduction (ex: human = 9 months) All other specialized interactions with the environment
- 10. Biogeography Biogeography: the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. Phytogeography: the branch of biogeography that is concerned with the geographic distribution of plant species and their influence on the earth's surface. (Flora) Zoogeography: the branch of the science of biogeography that is concerned with the geographic distribution (present and past) of animal species. (Fauna)