Download CP Ecology Notes Parts 1 and 2

Introduction to Biology
and the Study of Life
What is Biology?

Biology is the study of organisms.
Bio – life
ology – study of
Organism:
We call these different fields of
Biological study, Branches__ of
Biology.
– Zoology: study of animals
– Microbiology: study of microorganisms
– Botany: study of plants
– Ornithology: study of birds
– Ichthyology: study of fish
– Herpetology: study of reptiles and amphibians
– Virology: study of viruses
– Entomology: study of insects
– Mycology: study of fungi
Part 1: What is Ecology?
What is Ecology?

Ecology is the study of how organisms
interact with each other and how they
interact with their environment.
What is Ecology?

Ecology is the study of how organisms
interact with each other and how they
interact with their environment.

An organisms environment is all the nonliving and living things that make-up it’s
surroundings.
The Environment
 Abiotic
Factors:
– Non-living factors
 Biotic
Factors:
– Living factors
 A - not
 Biotic – living
 Examples:
 Examples:
The Environment

Abiotic Factors:

Examples:

– Non-living factors

– Rock
– Soil
– Temperature
– Weather
– Wind
– Sunlight
Biotic Factors:
– Living factors
Examples:
– organisms
Part 2: Ecological Levels
of Organization
Ecological Levels of Organization

Brainstorm: Why have ecologists
organized the study of ecology into levels?
Ecological Levels of Organization

Why have ecologists organized the study
of ecology into levels?

Organization allows for:
– A better understanding of the material.
Ecological Levels of Organization

Why have ecologists organized the study
of ecology into levels?

Organization allows for:
– A better understanding of the material.
– Quick and easy access to information.
Ecological Levels of Organization
Most Specific
Organism 
Ecological Levels of Organization
Organism  Species 
Ecological Levels of Organization
Organism  Species  Population 
Ecological Levels of Organization
Organism  Species  Population 
Community 
Ecological Levels of Organization
Organism  Species  Population 
Community  Ecosystem
Ecological Levels of Organization
Organism  Species  Population 
most inclusive
Community  Ecosystem  Biome
Ecological Levels of Organization
specific
1. Organism: A living thing
Ecological Levels of Organization
1. Organism: A living thing
2. Species: A group of organisms that are so
similar to one another, they can
breed/reproduce and have fertile
offspring, offspring that can also
reproduce and have offspring.
Ecological Levels of Organization
1. Organism: A living thing
2. Species: A group of organisms that are so similar
to one another, they can breed/reproduce and
have fertile offspring, offspring that can also
reproduce and have offspring.
3. Population: A species, or group of similar
organisms, that live in the same area at the same
point in time.
Ecological Levels of Organization
1. Organism: A living thing
2. Species: A group of organisms that are so similar
to one another, they can breed/reproduce and
have fertile offspring, offspring that can also
reproduce and have offspring.
3. Population: A species, or group of similar
organisms, that live in the same area at the same
point in time.
4. Community: A group of different populations that
live in a defined area.
Ecological Levels of Organization
1. Organism: A living thing
2. Species: A group of organisms that are so similar to one
another, they can breed/reproduce and have fertile offspring,
offspring that can also reproduce and have offspring.
3. Population: A species, or group of similar organisms, that live in
the same area at the same point in time.
4. Community: A group of different populations that live in a
defined area.
5. Ecosystem: The collection of communities, or all the
living/BIOTIC factors, and nonliving/ABIOTIC factors in a
defined area.
Ecological Levels of Organization
1. Organism: A living thing
2. Species: A group of organisms that are so similar to one
another, they can breed/reproduce and have fertile offspring,
offspring that can also reproduce and have offspring.
3. Population: A species, or group of similar organisms, that live in
the same area at the same point in time.
4. Community: A group of different populations that live in a
defined area.
5. Ecosystem: The collection of communities, or all the
living/BIOTIC factors, and nonliving/ABIOTIC factors in a
defined area.
general / most inclusive
6. Biome: A group of ecosystems with the same type of climate
Ecology Term Practice

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is the longest hiking trail in the
nation. It is approximately 2,178 miles long and on average
takes three months to hike. One end of the Appalachian Trail is
located in Northeastern Georgia just seven miles away from the
city of Atlanta, while the other end is located in Maine. While
hiking the AT, it is common for hikers to come across mountain
lions, bob cats, squirrels, cottontail deer, and even black bear.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel can be a source of food for mountain
lions and bob cats. The Gray Squirrel usually makes its home in
oak trees. It lives in the holes drilled by woodpeckers. It
spends most of its time finding and burying nuts, as its main
source of food is hickory nuts, acorns, and/or walnuts.
Depending on the time of year, hikers may experience heavy
rain or even snow. Many hikers will tell you the trail is a
formidable opponent, because of its steep rocky climbs and
slippery muddy terrain after a heavy rain.
Ecology Term Practice

Organism:

Species:

Populations:

Community:

Ecosystem: