ECOLOGICAL STUDIES Ecology is the study of how


































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ECOLOGICAL STUDIES
• Ecology is the study of how living organisms relate with one another and their non-living surroundings. • Ecology is important in predicting, preventing and remedying environmental changes. • NB. Ecology is important in forestry, fishery and agricultural applications.
DEFINITIONS • • • • Habitat Herbivore Carnivore Producer Consumer Community Population Species Biosphere Atmosphere Lithosphere Hydrosphere Ecosphere • • • Predator Prey Decomposer/Sapprophyte Dentritivores Ecosystem Biome Ecological niche Potential/fundamental niche Realized niche
APPROACHES TO ECOLOGICAL STUDY
Habitat • Environs of a particular species , population or community; • Terrestrial or aquatic
Habitat
Ecosystem • All the biotic and abiotic in a vast designated area.
Ecosystem
Biome • A large, specific ecosystem, recognized by its characteristic climate, flora (plants) and fauna (animals). • Aquatic • Desert • Forest • Grasslands • Tundra
Biome
Species • A group of closely-related organisms capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring. • E. g. horse + horse = horse (fertile) • E. g. horse + donkey = mule (infertile) • E. g. monkey + gorilla = N/A
Population • Collection of individuals from same species inhabiting the same area.
Community • Collection of different populations inhabiting the same area.
Decomposer/ Sapprophytes • Bacteria and fungi that secrete substances onto dead organisms and waste in order to feed on them by absorption.
Decomposer/ Sapprophytes
Detritivores • Organisms (e. g. earthworms) that feed on small fragments of decomposing or dead materials (detritus).
Detritivores
Biosphere • The set of interactions between the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere and the ecosphere.
Atmosphere • A mixture of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and traces (remaining 1%) of carbon dioxide, argon, water vapor and other components. • Approximately 1, 100 km high.
Hydrosphere • The accumulation of water in all its states (solid, liquid and gas) and the elements dissolved it in (sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride and sulphate). • 97% (oceans), 2% is ice (north and south poles) and 1% forms rivers, lakes, ground water and atmospheric vapor. • Covers around 71% of the earth's surface.
Lithosphere • The lithosphere is the thin crust between the mantle and the atmosphere. • Around 100 km thick.
Ecosphere • The set of all living organisms, including animals and vegetation.
Ecological Niche • Location and role or an organism in the ecosystem or community.
Ecological niche
Potential /Fundamental niche • Full range of biotic and abiotic conditions under which an organism can exist.
Potential /Fundamental niche
Realized niche • More restricted, narrower range of conditions for which an organism is best adapted.
Realized niche
Realized niche
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