1. INTRO TO ECOLOGY pp

2. Ecology means "study of homes"
study the relationships of animals, plants, and their environment (interdependence)
A small change can affect the whole ecosystem
Ecology Defined

3. Interdependence
Organisms rely on interactions with their environment for survival (living and non- living things)
Changing one part of the environment effects all things it is connected to

4. Levels of Organization

5. Levels of Organization
Levels that expand or narrow to what is included in the environment:
Biosphere – portion of the earth & atmosphere supporting life

6. Levels of Organization
Levels that expand or narrow the what is included in the environment:
Ecosystem – all the living & non-living things in a particular environment

7. Levels of Organization
Levels that expand or narrow the what is included in the environment:
Community: all the living things in an area

8. Levels of Organization
Levels that expand or narrow the what is included in the environment:
Population: all the same species living in the same area.

9. Levels of Organization
Levels that expand or narrow the what is included in the environment:
Simplest level: Organism – a living individual in the area

11. Biosphere
Ecosystem
Community
Population
Organism

12. http://www.brainpop.com/science/ecologyandbehavior/ec osystems/

13. Ecosystem Components Biotic Factors: living parts
Habitat: the place where an organism lives
Biotic Factors: living parts
of an environment
Abiotic Factors: non-living
parts of an environment
(physical & chemical)

15. Dealing with the Ecosystem
Tolerance Curve: a graph showing the range of conditions an organism can survive
Outside the curve performance decreases drastically. Conditions can include temp, pH, salinity, etc.

16. Dealing with the Ecosystem
Acclimation: the ability for some organisms to adjust their tolerance levels
Ex/ At high altitudes our bodies can adjust to lower oxygen levels

17. Dealing with the Ecosystem
Control of Internal Conditions
(2 ways)
Conformer: organisms that do not control their internal conditions
they conform to the environment – cold blooded
Regulator: organisms that control their internal conditions
(regulate despite the environment – warm blooded)

18. Dealing with the Ecosystem
Escaping Unsuitable Conditions
Dormancy: hide and reduce activity for the duration of the conditions
(ex/ bear hibernates for the winter)
Migration: relocate away from the conditions.
(ex/ birds fly south for the winter)

19. Niche/Habitat
Niche - the job of an organism (usually based on what they eat)
Generalist: broad niche with a wide tolerance curve
Able to use a variety of resources. Ex/Rats
Specialists: narrow niche with small tolerance curve
Uses specific resources. Ex/ Koala