1. Introduction to Ecology
Marc Daniels
Biology

2. What Is Ecology?
Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with the environment
The environment consists of abiotic and biotic factors
Biotic factors are living factors (other organisms)
Abiotic factors are physical, non-living factors
Historical Factors help us determine movement of individuals
There are 4 different types of ecology

3. Why Do We Study Ecology?
Ecology helps us understand the abundance and distribution of organisms.
It provides a scientific foundation for the conservation of species and natural areas.

4. Types of Ecology Organismal Ecology
Explores the morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations that allow for individuals to live successfully in an area.
Focuses on how organisms interact with one another and their physical environment

5. Types of Ecology Population Ecology
A population is a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area at the same time
Focuses on how the number of individuals change over time, which includes analyzing and predicting population trends.

6. Types of Ecology Community Ecology
A Community is a group of species that interact with one another in a particular area (includes more that one specie)
Focuses on interactions between species such as predation, parasitism, competition, as well as how organisms respond to disturbances (fires, floods, man made creations, etc.)

7. Types of Ecology Ecosystem Ecology
An Ecosystem consists of all the organisms in a particular region along with non-living components. (biotic and abiotic factors)
Focuses on how nutrients and energy move between organisms, as well as how abiotic factors such as climate, pollution, etc. affect organisms.

8. Factors That Shape Climate
Factors that shape temperature, moisture, sunlight, and wind
Varies due to varying amounts of sunlight that hit our earth
More sunlight near the equator, with sunlight lessening at altitudes north and south of the equator
Seasons are caused by the tilt of the earth (23.5 degrees)

10. Factors That Shape Climate
Air circulation due to heated
and cooling air creates
Hadley Cells
Warmer air holds more water,
but areas in between falling
hot air tend to be dry areas
(30 degrees north and south)

11. Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
Biome- a type of terrestrial ecosystem that is unique to a given region.
Often characterized by the types of plants that are within the area.
Categorized by precipitation, temperature, as well as the variation of the two.

13. Different Types of Biomes
Tropical Wet Forests/Rain Forests
Near equatorial regions
Precipitation and temperatures are high
Variation in temperature is low, rain supports all year long growth
Plants are typically broad leaved evergreens
Very diverse plants and animals- wide array of habitats for animals.

15. Different Types of Biomes
Subtropical Deserts
Near 30 degrees south and north
Temperatures vary more than in rain forests
Temperatures do not fall below zero
Drier regions that get little rain fall (Why is this?)
Plants have low growth rate, or break dormancy and grow rapidly when there is rainfall

17. Different Types of Biomes
Temperate Grasslands
Relatively dry areas (low rainfall)
Grasses are dominant life form
Temperatures can range from hot to below freezing
Long warm summers, and short cold winters

19. Different Types of Biomes
Temperate Forests
Similar to Temperate Grasslands, but there is relatively high precipitation that is constant throughout the year
Increased precipitation allows for the development of forests
Plants typically have a period of dormancy (dropping leaves in autumn and growing in the spring)

21. Different Types of Biomes
Boreal Forests/ Taiga
Regions just below the Arctic Circle, often called sub-arctic.
Very cold winters, with cool short summers (have a high variation in temperatures)
Little evaporation, so moisture is abundant although precipitation is low.
Low diversity of organisms and low productivity
Dominated by cold-tolerant conifers (pines, spruce, larch trees)

23. Different Types of Biomes
Arctic Tundra
Areas above the sub-arctic
Very short growing season (two months)
Temperatures are below freezing
Low precipitation, but low evaporation rates
Lack of trees, but there are short plants such as shrubs (growing season too short to support growth)
Low species diversity and productivity

25. Different Types of Biomes
Lakes, Ponds, and Wetlands
Bodies of freshwater
Ponds are small, lakes are large enough to be affected by wind and have waves
Wetlands are shallower, with soil saturated into the water, and contain plants that grow above the surface of the water
Wetlands consist of Swamps, Marshes, and Bogs

28. http://bulimbacreek. org. au/__data/page/13738/tingalpa_-_wetlands2

29. Marshes, Swamps, and Bogs
lack trees, have a slow and steady rate of water flow
Typically connected to a lake or stream system
Swamps
Similar to marshes
Tree and shrub dominated
Both are productive habitats because of the supply of sunlight and water

31. pedia/commons/7/75/Florida_ freshwater_swamp_usgov_image.jpg
pedia/commons/7/75/Florida_
freshwater_swamp_usgov_image.jpg

32. Marshes, Swamps, and Bogs
Are not productive environments
In areas where water flow is low or non-existent
Stagnant water flow-> oxygen poor ->decomposistion-> lack of nitrogen

34. Different Types of Biomes
Streams
Bodies of water that move constantly in one direction
Creeks- small streams
Rivers- large streams
Colder streams are faster, narrower
Warmer streams are slower, and wider (more favorable for the growth of plants)
Estuary- the environment that forms where the river meets the ocean (fresh water meets saltwater)

35. http://bulimbacreek. org. au/__data/page/13738/tingalpa_-_wetlands2

36. Different Types of Biomes
Marine Environments
Distinguished by it’s water depth
Sunlight penetrates water differently at different depths
Contains multiple areas/zones such as the photic zone, aphotic zone, and benthic zone

37. http://funnel. sfsu. edu/courses/geol102/graphics/kareng/life. env2