Download Chapter 3: The Biosphere

Introduction to Ecology
What is Ecology?
Interactions and
Interdependence
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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
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The largest of these “houses” is the biosphere
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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
Non-Ecology
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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
Ecology
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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
Organism
Population
Community
(Giraffe)
(Herd of Giraffes)
(Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Trees, Grass)
Biosphere
Biome
Ecosystem
(Earth)
(Southeast area of Africa outlined
in yellow)
(Living and Non-living)
Ecological Methods
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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)