1. Introduction to ecology: Ecology of Populations

2. Niche Discussion Modern Biology Pages 359-360 What is the common theme for ecology? “Interconnectedness”“Interconnectedness” –Nothing exists by itself. –Interdependence. –All living organisms interact with; Other organismsOther organisms Physical factorsPhysical factors

3. What are the levels of organization found in the environment? Biosphere Ecosystem Community Population The part of Earth that contains all ecosystems Community and its nonliving surroundings Populations that live together in a defined area Group of organisms of one type that live in the same area Biosphere Hawk, snake, bison, prairie dog, grass, stream, rocks, air Hawk, snake, bison, prairie dog, grass Bison herd Pages 361-362

4. Biosphere: all areas that support life. Biosphere: all areas that support life. Biomes: large areas of the Earth with common abiotic conditions.Biomes: large areas of the Earth with common abiotic conditions. Biosphere & Biomes Pair share: A tell B what biome you think is marked in green.

5. Ecosystem: All organisms and non living environment in a given area. Ecosystem: All organisms and non living environment in a given area. Can be any size. Can be any size. Communities: All interacting organisms in an area. Communities: All interacting organisms in an area. Ecosystems & Communities White board: What is the difference between a community and an ecosystem?

6. Population: All members of a species living in one area.Population: All members of a species living in one area. Organism: Simplest level of organization in ecology.Organism: Simplest level of organization in ecology. Populations & organisms Pages 361-362

7. What are the components of an ecosystem? factors that influence organism:factors that influence organism: Abiotic: nonlivingAbiotic: nonliving –Temperature –pH –Humidity etc. Biotic: living thingsBiotic: living things Pages 363-365 Pair share: B tell A 3 things that are abiotic factors in this picture.

8. Abiotic factors always changeAbiotic factors always change Organisms must tolerate abiotic changes.Organisms must tolerate abiotic changes. All organisms have a range of tolerance.All organisms have a range of tolerance. Organisms in a changing environment Pg 363-365 Tolerance curves shows how well a species tolerates abiotic changes.

9. Regulators: use engergy to control internal conditions Ex: mammals & birds Conformers: do not regulate internal conditions Must change behavior to acclimate Ex: reptiles & insects Acclimation: adjusting to abiotic conditions Whiteboard: What is the difference between adaptation and acclimation?

10. MigrationMigration –Changing location DormancyDormancy –Changing metabolism Escaping unfavorable conditions. Pages 363-365

11. The way of life. The role in the environmentThe role in the environment –Includes all interactions in ecosystem. Generalists: tolerate a wide range of conditionsGeneralists: tolerate a wide range of conditions Specialists: narrow range of toleranceSpecialists: narrow range of tolerance What is a specie ’ s niche? Page 365

12. 1.What is the most inclusive level of organization? 2.What is the difference between a regulator and a conformer? 3.How do living things escape unfavorable conditions? Whiteboard review