AP Biology Summer Workshop July 10th – July 14th Welcome AP Biology Summer Workshop July 10th – July 14th

An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere Chapter 50 An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

The Scope of Ecology The scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment. Ecology incorporates the hypothetico-deductive approach, using observations and experiments to test hypothetical explanations. Ecologists study the interactions between the biotic and abiotic environments.

Abiotic Components All nonliving chemical and physical factors in the environment. Light temperature climate water nutrients rocks and soil

Biotic Factors All the living factors present in an environment. Animals plants single-celled organisms multi-celled organisms

Aquatic Biomes Aquatic biomes occupy the largest area of the biosphere. Major parts of aquatic biomes are: photic zone - where sufficient light reaches aphotic zone - no light reaches benthic zone - bottom of all aquatic biomes made of sand, organic, and inorganic sediments.

Aquatic Biomes (con’t) Freshwater Biomes include: Oligotrophic lakes - deep and nutrient poor due to unproductive phytoplankton. Eutrophic lakes - shallow with a high nutrient content Rivers and Streams - bodies of water continuously moving Wetlands - are covered with water that supports aquatic plants Estuaries - salt and freshwater mix

Aquatic Biomes (con’t) Marine Biomes include: Intertidal Zone - exposed to daily tidal fluctuations and wave action Coral Reefs - cnidarians secrete a calcium carbonate shell that seres as the support for all reef species. Oceanic Pelagic Biome - open ocean where zooplankton feed on phytoplankton which serves as the food source for nekton (free-swimming)

Terrestrial Biomes Distribution of terrestrial biomes is based mainly on regional variations in climate. Vertical Stratification - canopy, low-tree stratum, shrub understory, ground layer, forest floor, and root layer. Permafrost - permanently frozen soil

Tropical Forests Vertical stratification high rainfall most biodiverstiy nutrient poor soil due to increased decomposition of dead organic matter by bacteria

Desert Sparse rainfall (30 cm or less) surface temp. above 60 C during the day Plants have adaptations to retain water such as needles, thick waxy cuticle, and CAM photosynthesis.

Tundra High winds and cold temperatures create alpine tundra plant communities. Frozen top layer of soil Little annual rainfall moose and reindeer graze on the small plants and lichens

Principle of Allocation An organisms organized way of partitioning energy in order to maintain homeostasis. escape from predators obtaining nutrients growth reproduction homeostasis