Introduction to NRCM and Ecology: Main Points 1. Describe the major views or approaches to NRCM 2. Explain the role ecology plays in the management of natural resources 3. Explain the role human population growth has played in the major problems facing the Earth today (Day 1 notes) 4. How do temperature and precipitation influence the location of the major biomes in the U.S.? 5. For the major biotic and abiotic factors how might they influence the nature and distribution of resources or habitats? --seems like I just answered question 2 6. Explain the ways in which you have direct influence on the way we use resources and treat our environment and a) how to find information, b) the role critical thinking and scientific method play in this. 7. Some Terms: Renewable, Non-Renewable (and effectively non), r vs. K species, habitat generalist vs. specialist, niche, tolerance, market economy, global economy, consumer demand.

Ecosystem type is based on living things present----which is based upon physical the ability of organisms to survive and meet habitat needs in any given area NICHE. Tolerance to ‘factors’ + life history traits = level of success. Temperature Precipitation ECOSYSTEMS: Places where the abiotic and biotic forces interact and enable the cycling of energy and nutrients (food, water, Oxygen etc.)

How can we make this more complicated and frustrating? PARTIAL list of things which could each be on unique axis…… Soil moisture, pH, type, texture Latitude Elevation Slope/aspect Animal physiology, food requirements, behavior Competition, predation A niche is a highly complex combination of factors which dictates where and how species can survive.

Atom Molecules/compounds Macromolecules Organelles Cells Tissues Organs Systems Organisms Populations Communities Ecosystems Landscapes Biomes Biosphere Ecology—study of the interactions of living organisms with each other and their environment