Introduction to Ecology (MS-LS2-1) (MS-LS2-2)

Introduction to Ecology - Notes Slide 1 - What is Ecology? Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments. Organisms are anything that can live and survive on its own. Single celled organisms – any one-celled system that lives and thrives independently (on its own). Multi-celled organisms – any system consisting of 2 or more cells that lives and thrives independently.

Slide 2 – Characteristics of Living There are 6 characteristics (traits) that all living organisms share; All living things have DNA All living things have Cells All living things Grow and Develop All living things respond to stimuli All living things Reproduce All living things use Energy

Slide 3 – Levels of Organization All living organisms are organized into levels based on their complexity and distinctive characteristics. Levels 1-5 (from least complex to most) Cells Tissues Organs Organ System Organism Levels 5-9 (from least complex to most) Organism Population Community Ecosystem Biome

Slide 4 – Living or Not The term Abiotic refers to all of the non-living factors that affect organisms living in a particular environment. The term Biotic refers to the parts of an environment that live together and interact with one another. Essential Question: Is water an Abiotic or Biotic factor? Use the space on the recording sheet to draw and/or explain your response.

Slide 5 – Once Living or Not? The term Organic refers to any Biotic or Abiotic matter that comes from living matter and is Carbon based. The term Inorganic refers to any matter that does not come from living sources (current or prior). Synthetic. Essential Question: Are rocks organic or inorganic? Use the space on the recording sheet to draw and/or explain your response.

Slide 6 – EcoFriendly Vocabulary Population Same species same place same time Community Multiple Populations same place same time  Ecosystem  All of the Biotic factors (living things) and the Abiotic factors (non-living) and their interactions within a specific environment.

Slide 7 – EcoFriendly Questions What is it? ____________________ Abiotic or Biotic? _______________ Organic or Inorganic? ______________________________ 1 What is it? ____________________ Abiotic or Biotic? _______________ Organic or Inorganic? ______________________________ 2

Food Chains and Food Webs

Energy (BioMass) Pyramids