Introduction to ecology Key Terminology

Ecology Study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment

Levels of Organization These terms will help us specify what we study!

Levels of Organization Individual Single organism Ex: This rabbit

Levels of Organization Species Group of organisms so similar that they can breed and produce fertile offspring Ex: Rabbits

Levels of Organization Population Group of individuals of same species that live in same area Ex: This group of rabbits that live together in this area

Levels of Organization Community Group of populations living together in same area Ex: The population of rabbits living in a forest (a population of trees) along with a population of deer, a population of squirrels, a population of foxes, and many others

Levels of Organization Ecosystem All organisms living in same area along with physical environment itself Ex: The previously mentioned ecosystem along with all non-living components as well, such as the ground, water, air, etc.

Levels of Organization Biome Group of ecosystems of similar climate Ex: Forest biome

Levels of Organization Biosphere All living things and area life inhabits Ex: Earth!

Ecological Factors Ecosystems can be affected by biotic or abiotic factors Biotic Factor Living things affective organisms Abiotic Factor Physical and chemical characteristics of environment

Key Terms

Niche An organism’s niche is the role it plays in an ecosystem Generalists VS specialists

Producer/Autotroph An organism that produces its own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) or inorganic chemicals (chemosynthesis)

Producer/Autotroph Ex: Largest tree on Earth!

Producer/Autotroph Ex: Bacteria that live on hydrothermal vents

Productivity Gross Primary Productivity Rate at which producers in an ecosystem capture sun energy by producing organic compounds ***some energy used, some stored (as biomass)*** Net Primary Productivity Rate at which biomass accumulates (GPP – energy used)

Consumer/Heterotroph An organism that relies on other organisms for its food

Consumer/Heterotroph Herbivore Plant eater Ex:

Consumer/Heterotroph Carnivore Meat eater Ex:

Consumer/Heterotroph Omnivore Eats both plants and meat Ex:

Consumer/Heterotroph Detrivore Feed on plant and animal remains and other dead matter called detritus Ex:

Consumer/Heterotroph Decomposer Bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter Ex:

Community Interactions Relationships that organisms have with others in an ecological community

Competition Organisms of the same or different species attempt to use an ecological resource (any necessity of life) in the same place at the same time Ex:

Predation One organism captures and preys on another

Predation Ex:

Symbiosis Any relationship in which two species live closely together There are 3 subcategories of symbiosis

Mutualism Both species benefit from the interaction Ex:

Mutualism Both species benefit from the interaction Ex:

Mutualism Both species benefit from the interaction Ex:

Commensalism One species is helped and the other species is not affected Ex:

Commensalism One species is helped and the other species is not affected Ex:

Parasitism One species is helped (parasite) and the other is hurt (host) Ex:

Parasitism One species is helped (parasite) and the other is hurt (host) Ex: