3-1 What is Ecology?

1. Ecology A. Scientific study of interactions between organisms, each other and with their environment. B. Each organism plays a role for the survival for each other and for their environment. 2. Biosphere A. Contains the combined portions of the planet in which all life exists. 1. 3 other spheres a. Lithosphere (land) b. Hydrosphere (water) c. Atmosphere (air)

3 Spheres on Earth

A. Species/organism – Group of organisms so similar to one another that they can breed and produce fertile offspring.

B. Populations – groups of individuals that belong to the same species and live in the same area.

C. Communities – Groups of different populations that live together in a defined area.

D. Ecosystem- Includes all the livings organisms (biotic) and nonliving things (abiotic) in a particular place (large area)

E. Biome – Group of ecosystems that have the same climate and similar dominant communities, such as plants and animals of similarity.

F. Biosphere- contains the combine planet in which all life exists F. Biosphere- contains the combine planet in which all life exists. (Same as above notes) 1. Extends 8-10 km above Earth’s surface and to the deepest depth in the ocean.