Introduction to Ecology
Ecology The study of the interactions that take place among organisms and their environment
Biosphere The part of the Earth that supports life
Ecosystem All the organisms living in an area and the nonliving features of their environment
Biotic Factor Living Plants Animals Single-celled organisms fungi
Abiotic Factors Non-living Air Soil Temperature Sunlight
Population Same species, same area
Community All populations in an ecosystem
Habitat Where an organism lives “A habitat is where you hang your hat”
Ni che The whole way of life of an organism
Competition Interaction between organisms for food, space, sunlight, ect. Within same species Between different species
Limiting Factor Anything that restricts the number of individuals in a population. Includes living / biotic and nonliving / abiotic features of the ecosystem
Carrying capacity The maximum number of individuals of any species that can be supported by an ecosystem
Eating!! Energy Transfer