EcologyEcology

Chapters 34-38Chapters 34-38

What is ecology?What is ecology? Study of how Study of how

organisms interact organisms interact with each other and with each other and their physical their physical environmentenvironment

Greek origin “oikos” Greek origin “oikos” meaning house meaning house

Key TermsKey Terms Biosphere – part of planet in which all life Biosphere – part of planet in which all life

exists (includes water, land, air)exists (includes water, land, air) Ecosystem – most complex system a Ecosystem – most complex system a

biologist studiesbiologist studies Consists of a community and a habitatConsists of a community and a habitat

Community – populations of different Community – populations of different species that live in one areaspecies that live in one area Ex: animals, plants, fungi, etc. in a forestEx: animals, plants, fungi, etc. in a forest

Habitat – physical location where a Habitat – physical location where a community livescommunity lives Ex: soil and water that make up a forestEx: soil and water that make up a forest

Different factors that Different factors that shape ecosystems…shape ecosystems…

Biotic factors – living influences on Biotic factors – living influences on ecosystemsecosystems Interactions with birds, trees, mushrooms, Interactions with birds, trees, mushrooms,

etc.etc.

Abiotic factors – non-living influences Abiotic factors – non-living influences on ecosystemson ecosystems Temperature, precipitation, wind, humidityTemperature, precipitation, wind, humidity

Energy FlowEnergy Flow Food ChainsFood Chains

Shows simplest feeding relationships Shows simplest feeding relationships between organismsbetween organisms

Grass Grass mouse mouse snake snake hawk hawk

Energy Flow, cont’d.Energy Flow, cont’d. Food WebsFood Webs

Complex diagram showing how ALL Complex diagram showing how ALL organisms are connected in a habitatorganisms are connected in a habitat

Trophic LevelsTrophic Levels Number of steps away from the sun in food Number of steps away from the sun in food

chains/webschains/webs

Level 1 = Plants/producersLevel 1 = Plants/producers Level 2 = Primary consumer/herbivore Level 2 = Primary consumer/herbivore Level 3 = Secondary Consumer/ carnivoreLevel 3 = Secondary Consumer/ carnivore Level 4 = Tertiary Consumer/ top carnivoreLevel 4 = Tertiary Consumer/ top carnivore

Trophic Trophic Level Level ExamplExamplee

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5