Learning Objectives Identify the levels of organization that ecologists study Explain how biotic and abiotic factors influence an ecosystem

Ecology

What is Ecology? Eco = house ology = the study of Ecology - the study of the interactions that occurs between organisms and their environment

Nature’s Eco (house) Nature’s “houses” come in many sizes From atoms to the entire planet

Levels of Organization Individual (Species) Population Community Ecosystem Biome Biosphere

Individual Organism Individual - One living thing

Population Population - Group of individuals of the same species living in the same area

Community Community - Populations that live together in a defined area

Ecosystem Ecosystem - All the communities (living things) in an area + all the non-living components of the environment

Biome Biome - group of ecosystems with the same climate and similar communities

Largest House - Biosphere Biosphere - contains the combined portions of the planet in which all life exists, including land, water and air

YouTube Levels of Organization

Biotic Life PLANTS ANIMALS FUNGI BACTERIA All the living parts of an environment that live together and interact with one another

Abiotic All the non-living parts of an environment (physical factors) Not or without WEATHER ROCK and SOIL WATER LIGHT TEMPERATURE All the non-living parts of an environment (physical factors)

Habitat Habitat – the area where an organism lives, including the biotic and abiotic factors

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