1. Introduction to Ecology Chapter 2

2. What is Ecology? E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1) Biosphere: Earth & its atmosphere 22) Ecosystem: organisms and non-living things in one area 33) Community: interacting organisms in one area 44) Population: all members of one species in an area 55) Organism: how they adapt to the environment

5. Theme of “Interconnectedness” AAlso called “Interdependence” 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. Survival Mechanisms 11)Acclimation: organisms adjust their tolerance to abiotic factors (NOT adaptation!!) 22) Dormancy: state of decreased activity in response to unfavorable conditions 33) Migration: when organisms move to more favorable environmental conditions

8. Niche NNiche: the specific role a species plays in the environment IIncludes: The conditions they can tolerate Their methods of obtaining resources # of offspring created Time of reproduction (human = 9 months) All other interactions with the environment