Download Ecology

Ecology
the study of the interaction of
organisms with one another and
with the environment.
Themes in Ecology
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Energy Transfer
Biodiversity
Ecosystem Change
Organism Interactions
Distribution
• is the range of places that a species
inhabits
Burmese Python
Why is the Burmese Python a
Problem?
Hypothetical Diet for a Python to reach 13 ft.
Distribution
• Distribution for a species is governed by:
– Biotic Factors - parts of the environment that
affects living organisms.
• Predation, Algal blooms, food supply, blights,
territory.
– Abiotic Factors - non-living part of the
environment that affects living organisms
• Temperature, Water, light, soil pH (acidity), salinity,
and mineral nutrients.
Potential Distribution of Burmese
Python
What do you suppose are the main factors that influence its distribution?
Ecological Niches
• Studies of the distribution and
interaction of organisms show that
there are many different ways to exist
in an ecosystem.
• The mode of existence by an organism
in an ecosystem is referred to as an
ecological niche. A niche includes:
– Habitat – where the species lives
– Nutrition – how the species obtains food
– Relationships – the interaction with other
species.
Food Web
The actual niche is usually smaller
than the potential niche
• It’s limited by biotic and abiotic factors – limiting factors
Competition Exclusion Principle
• Two organisms occupying the same niche
will compete; only one species can occupy
that niche.
Food Pyramid
• Producers
• Decomposers
• Consumers
– Herbivore
– Carnivore
– Omnivore
Why Save the Reefs
• Economic Reasons –
– new commodities such as medicines or materials.
– Ecotourism can provide a lot of $$$.
• Ecological Reasons –
– Reefs buffer large amounts of carbon dioxide.
– Damage to reefs could have broad effects on other ecosystems
• Ethical Reasons
– Every species has a right to life.
– Reefs have cultural importance to indigenous human
populations.
– It would be wrong to deprive future humans of the resource.
• Aesthetic Reasons
– Reefs have natural beauty that give us enjoyment.
– Reefs inspire people.