CYCLES IN NATURE Biology Ecology Unit Vocabulary Ecology

CYCLES IN NATURE Biology Ecology Unit

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

In order to study Ecology scientists must use the scientific method. Ecologists often use observations, experiments, and models. ENERGY FLOW……. 1. Organisms use energy from their environment to life processes. 2. Living organisms get energy in different ways 3. 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

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)

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.