Download ecology - kldaniel

What is
ECOLOGY?
The study of the
relationship of
organisms to their
physical (nonliving)
and biological
(living) environment.
Abiotic Factors (Nonliving)
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Rainfall
Temperature
Sunlight
Air currents
Soil
Rocks
pH
Salinity
Etc…
Biotic Factors (Living)
• Competition
• Symbiotic
relationships , such as
parasitism (shown left)
• Predation
• (All living things)
Levels Of
Organization in
Ecology
ORGANISM
POPULATION
A group of organisms of the same
species that live together in one
place at one time
Community
A collection of
interacting populations
Ecosystems
Consists of a community and the physical
surroundings (abiotic factors)
The Biosphere
The area on Earth where life exists (includes
the air, land, and water)
What is the
difference between
HABITAT & NICHE?
Habitat
• The place where an
organism lives…its
“ecological address”
Niche
The role and position a species occupies in its
environment –
its “job”
Many organisms may occupy the same habitat,
but have different niches….
What is
Symbiosis?
The relationship
between organisms of
two different species
where at least one
organism benefits.
1. Parasitism ( +, -)
One organism, the
parasite, benefits
& the other, the
host, is harmed!
Cat Flea
Deer Tick
Mistletoe
Athlete’s
Foot:
Fungus!
2. Mutualism ( +,+)
Both organisms benefit from the
relationship.
Ant & Acacia Tree
Honeyguide bird & badger
Oxpecker
& Rhino
3. Commensalism (+, 0)
One organism benefits,
the other gains nothing!!
Remora & Shark
Clownfish &
sea anemone
Barnacles on
The End!