Introduction to Ecology Organisms and Their Environments Ecology

Introduction to Ecology Organisms and Their Environments

Ecology • The study of the interactions of organisms and their environment

Levels of Biological Organization

Part of earth that supports life Includes communities & abiotic factors Groups of populations in a region. Group of organisms of same species

Niche vs. Habitat

Habitat • • The place where the organism lives. Like an address

Niche • The role a species plays in a community. • Like an occupation

Niche • Includes the space, food, and other conditions the organism needs to survive

NOTE: • Several species may share a habitat, but the food, shelter, and resources of that habitat are divided into separate niches.

Cape May Warbler Feeds at the tips of branches near the top of the tree Bay-Breasted Warbler Feeds in the middle part of the tree Spruce tree Yellow-Rumped Warbler Feeds in the lower part of the tree and at the bases of the middle branches

What shapes an Ecosystem? Ø Biotic & Abiotic Factors Ø Community Interactions Ø Ecological Succession

Biotic Factors • • • All the living organisms that inhabit an environment. Bio = life tic = pertaining to. EX: Animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, protists

Abiotic Factors • • • All the non-living parts of the environment A = not/without, bio = life Examples = soil, rocks, water, minerals, temperature

List all of the biotic & abiotic factors

Quick review

Ø What is the portion of the earth that supports life called? Biosphere Ø Give 2 examples of abiotic factors. Ø What do you call the role a species plays in its environment? Niche

Ø What is formed by several populations that interact with each other? Community Ø What do you call a community and its abiotic factors? Ecosystem Ø List the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest. O P C E B