Download Levels of Organization

ORGANIZATION IN
ECOLOGY
WHAT IS THE BIOSPHERE?

The biosphere is the section of the earth and
atmosphere that can support life.
BIOMES ANDS ECOSYSTEMS:



Characterized by climate and vegetation or producers
Biomes are comprised of many ecosystems in one
area
Ecosystems are all of the biotic and abiotic factors in
a specific place.
COMMUNITIES:

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All the interacting biotic factors (organisms) in one
area
Typical relationships include predator/prey, parasites,
and decomposers
POPULATIONS:
Made of members of the same species living in
the same place at the same time
 Population size can change over time

ORGANISM:

The smallest level of ecological organization
PRODUCERS

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Autotrophs – organisms that
manufacture their own food
Photoautotrophs – use solar
energy to produce their food

Chemoautotrophs –
use the energy stored
in inorganic molecules
to produce
carbohydrates
CONSUMERS

Heterotrophs – Organisms that cannot manufacture
their food; they consume organic material

Herbivores – eat producers

Carnivores – eat other consumers

Omnivores – eat both producers and consumers

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Detritivores – feed on the “garbage”/waste (detritus) of
an ecosystem (i.e. recently dead, fallen leaves, and
animal waste)
Decomposers – type of detritivore that cause decay by
breaking down complex molecules into simple molecules