1 What is Ecology?

Ecology: –Science that studies the relationships between groups of organisms and their environments –Focuses on Energy Transfer –Science of Relationships. Ecology: –Science that studies the relationships between groups of organisms and their environments –Focuses on Energy Transfer –Science of Relationships. 2

What is an organisms ENVIRONMENT? –the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. –Made up of 2 types of Factors: Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors What is an organisms ENVIRONMENT? –the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. –Made up of 2 types of Factors: Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors copyright cmassengale 3

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6 Biosphere Ecosystems ç Community ç Population Organism Levels of Organization

7 Biosphere – -Any part of the Earth and its atmosphere in which -1. living organisms exist OR -2. Life can be supported - Made of air, land, fresh water, and salt water. The highest level of organization

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9 Community - several interacting populations that inhabit a common environment and are interdependent.

10 POPULATION a group of organisms of one species living in the same place at the same time that interbreed Produce fertile offspring Compete with each other for resources (food, mates, shelter, etc.)

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13 Limiting Factors- any biotic or abiotic factor that restricts the existence of organisms in a specific environment. Examples of limiting factors - Amount of water Amount of food Temperature Amount of space Availability of mates

14 Feeding Relationships There are 3 main types of feeding relationships 1. Producer  Consumer 2. Predator  Prey 3. Parasite  Host There are 3 main types of feeding relationships 1. Producer  Consumer 2. Predator  Prey 3. Parasite  Host

Feeding Relationships: Producers 15 -All Autotrophs (plants) -They trap energy from the sun -Bottom of the food chain -All Autotrophs (plants) -They trap energy from the sun -Bottom of the food chain

16 Feeding Relationships: Consumer Feeding Relationships: Consumer - All Heterotrophs -They ingest food containing the sun’s energy  Herbivores  Carnivores  Omnivores  Decomposers - All Heterotrophs -They ingest food containing the sun’s energy  Herbivores  Carnivores  Omnivores  Decomposers

Herbivores –Eat Plants –Primary Consumers –Prey Carnivores –Eat Meat –Predators Hunt Prey for Food –Feed on Carrion Decaying flesh of Dead Animals Herbivores –Eat Plants –Primary Consumers –Prey Carnivores –Eat Meat –Predators Hunt Prey for Food –Feed on Carrion Decaying flesh of Dead Animals Omnivores –Eat both plants & animals Decomposers –Breakdown the complex compounds of dead and decaying plants and animals into simpler molecules that can be absorbed copyright cmassengale 17

18 Feeding Relationships: CONSUMERS 1.Primary Consumers Herbivores - Eat plants 2. Secondary Consumers 3. Tertiary Consumers 1.Primary Consumers Herbivores - Eat plants 2. Secondary Consumers 3. Tertiary Consumers

19 Symbiotic Relationships Symbiosis- two species living together 3 Types of Symbiosis: 1. Commensalism 2. Parasitism 3. Mutualism

20 Symbiotic Relationships Commensalism- one species benefits & the other is neither harmed nor helped Ex. orchids on a tree Commensalism- one species benefits & the other is neither harmed nor helped Ex. orchids on a tree Epiphytes: A plant, such as a tropical orchid or a bromeliad, that grows on another plant upon which it depends for mechanical support but not for nutrients.

21 Symbiotic Relationships Parasitism- -one species benefits (parasite) and the other is harmed (host) -Example: Leeches, fleas, ticks Parasitism- -one species benefits (parasite) and the other is harmed (host) -Example: Leeches, fleas, ticks

22 Symbiotic Relationships Mutualism- beneficial to both species Ex. cleaning birds and cleaner shrimp Mutualism- beneficial to both species Ex. cleaning birds and cleaner shrimp

23 Trophic Levels Each level in a food chain is known as a trophic level. Trophic levels shows a feeding step in the transfer of energy and matter in an ecosystem. Each level in a food chain is known as a trophic level. Trophic levels shows a feeding step in the transfer of energy and matter in an ecosystem.

24 Trophic Levels Biomass- the amount of organic matter comprising a group of organisms in a habitat. As you move up a food chain, both available energy and biomass decrease. Energy is transferred upwards but is diminished with each transfer. Biomass- the amount of organic matter comprising a group of organisms in a habitat. As you move up a food chain, both available energy and biomass decrease. Energy is transferred upwards but is diminished with each transfer.

25 Trophic Levels Tertiary consumers- top carnivores Secondary consumers- small carnivores Primary consumers- Herbivores ENERGYENERGY

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28 Trophic Levels Food chain- simple model that shows how matter and energy move through an ecosystem

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30 Trophic Levels Food web- shows all possible feeding relationships in a community at each trophic level Represents a network of interconnected food chains Food web- shows all possible feeding relationships in a community at each trophic level Represents a network of interconnected food chains

copyright cmassengale 31 Food chainFood web (just 1 path of energy) (all possible energy paths) Food chainFood web (just 1 path of energy) (all possible energy paths)

DARWIN AND EVOLUTION Evolution is the process by which a species change over time. Charles Darwin developed a reasonable explanation of how species evolved. Darwin observed finches on the Galapagos Islands and noticed the differences in the beak size and shape of similar species. Evolution is the process by which a species change over time. Charles Darwin developed a reasonable explanation of how species evolved. Darwin observed finches on the Galapagos Islands and noticed the differences in the beak size and shape of similar species. His theory was that when an environment changed, organisms best suited to the new conditions are the ones most likely to survive. 32

33 Beak sizes and shapes changed according to, particularly, their source of food. Species change in response to changing environments. This became known as Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection!!!!!!! This created variations, which are differences in traits among members of a species. Variations are good for the overall success of a species Individuals with useful traits are likely to live longer They are more likely to have more offspring and pass on their useful traits. Over time, as this process is repeated, more and more members have the useful traits.

34 Camouflage adaptation Structural adaptation Mimicry Adaptation Behavioral adaptation Adaptations: the behaviors and physical characteristics of a species that allow them to live successfully in their environment. Adaptations that can help prevent being the prey: ALSO KNOWN AS THE EATEN!!!!!!!

35 Adaptations that help the predator: also known as THE EATER!!! Sharp claws Stingers Sharp Teeth: IT”S BRUCEY! Big eyes to hunt at night!

36 Physiological Adaptations: a physical response to an environment Hump that holds water Big ears for cooling in the desert Lots of blubber for warmth

37 Those that can adapt will survive and those that can’t adapt will not: Extinction So what Darwin discovered in the animal kingdom was……………