Introduction to Ecology What is Ecology?

Introduction to Ecology Ecology is…… The study of interactions… between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components…. in ecosystems!

Introduction to Ecology Some definitions: FOOD CHAIN: A diagram showing the movement of energy between biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Introduction to Ecology Some examples of FOOD CHAINS:

Introduction to Ecology PRODUCER: An organism that makes it’s own food from sunlight or heat (usually a plant)

Introduction to Ecology CONSUMER: An organism that must consume other organisms for energy (all animals are consumers)

Introduction to Ecology HERBIVORE: An organism that consumes only plants for food (deer, mice, grasshopper, gorilla)

Introduction to Ecology CARNIVORE: An organism that consumes only other animals for food (cats, owls, sharks, polar bear)

Introduction to Ecology DECOMPOSER: An organism that consumes only dead organisms for food (bacteria, worms, fungus, vultures)

Introduction to Ecology NUTRIENT: A material that an organism needs to grow and reproduce. Good examples are vitamins and minerals.

Introduction to Ecology OMNIVORE: An organism that can eat either plants or animals for energy (humans, raccoons, black bears, chimpanzees)

Introduction to Ecology HABITAT: The area in which an organism lives, including the space, water and food available, vegetation and soil types

Use the definitions from your worksheet to label the following ecosystem: abiotic carnivore biotic omnivore HABITAT producer herbivore abiotic producer consumer