introduction to ecology what is ecology?. interactions and interdependence ecology – field of...
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction to Ecology
What is Ecology?
Interactions and Interdependence
Ecology – field of science that studies the interactions of organisms and between organisms and their environment• “eco-” “oikos” (Greek) “house”
• “ology” “study of”
• Ecology is the study of nature’s houses!
Interactions and Interdependence
The largest of these “houses” is the biosphere• Biosphere – combined portions of the planet in which
all life exists, including land water and air
• The biosphere is ~8 km above earth’s surface and ~11 km below ocean’s surface
INTERACTIONS within the biosphere create a web of INTERDEPENDENCE is created between organisms and their environment
Levels of Organization
Cell – basic unit of life Tissue – groups of similar cells Organs – groups of similar tissues Organ Systems – groups of organs
with a similar function Organism – groups of organ systems
that make up an individual
Species – group of similar organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring
Population – group of same species in the same area
Community – group of different populations in the same area
Ecosystem – all living and non-living things in the same area
Biome – group of ecosystems with similar climates and communities
Biosphere – all biomes put together
Non-EcologyNon-Ecology EcologyEcology
Organism
(Giraffe)
Population
(Herd of Giraffes)
Community
(Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Trees, Grass)
Ecosystem
(Living and Non-living)
Biome
(Southeast area of Africa outlined in yellow)
Biosphere
(Earth)
Ecological Methods
Ecologists have three (3) basic approaches to conducting research:• Observing
• Ex: Jane Goodall
• Experimentation• Artificial environment in laboratory or within natural
ecosystem
• Modeling• Often used to study phenomena that occur over a
long period of time (e.g. global warming)