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Transcript
Introduction to Ecology Science 10 Ecology Scientific study of the interactions of organisms and their environment Involves observations and experiments to test hypothetical explanations of ecological phenomena. Explores the interactions of organisms and their environment as well as how the environment affects the organism. Ecosystem Is a community of organisms and the physical environment in which it lives. Example: When an ecologist studies the organisms living in a forest and includes a study of the physical factors that affect the organisms in the forest, then the ecologist is studying an ecosystem. Abiotic Factors Are the non-living factors which affect life in an ecosystem. Examples to be studied: 1. Space 2. Temperature 3. Oxygen 4. Sunlight 5. Water 6. Inorganic & Organic Soil Nutrients 1. Space All organisms require enough space or territory to insure (guarantee) adequate resources such as food, water, shelter, and mates. 2. Temperature Environmental temperature affects biological processes and the ability of most organisms to regulate their temperature. Few organisms have active metabolisms at temperatures below 0oC or above 45oC because enzymes function best within a short range of temperature and become denatured if the temperature is too high. Enzyme Naturally occurring catalyst found in the body that helps chemical reactions to occur at body temperature (cellular level). A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction and is not changed by the reaction – therefore it can be used over and over again. Example Enzymes are very important in digestion. They help act as catalysts to break down the big molecules (which cannot pass through the stomach wall into the blood) into smaller ones (which can diffuse into the blood). Starch, proteins and fats are big molecules. Sugars, amino acids and fatty acids/ glycerol are much smaller. Examples: Amylase, Protease, Lipase Temperature & Type of Vertebrates 2 main types of vertebrates: 1. Ectotherms 2. Endotherms Ectotherms Are cold-blooded organisms. They can maintain their body temperature only within a few degrees of ambient temperature (temperature of the environment or surroundings). Examples: Reptiles or amphibians Endotherms Warm-blooded organisms. Are able to control their body temperature. No matter what the temperature is outside, their internal body temperature remains the same. Examples: Mammals (dolphin, elephant, humans) 3. Oxygen Most living organisms require oxygen for cellular respiration, which is a process that releases energy from food. Organisms obtain (or get) oxygen differently. There are 2 main types 1. Terrestrial organisms 2. Aquatic organisms Terrestrial Organisms “terrestris” Latin for “earthly” Take oxygen from the atmosphere usually through their lungs. Examples: Humans, iguanas, whales, frogs Aquatic Organisms “aqua” Latin for “water” These organisms use gills to extract the oxygen dissolved in water. Examples: Fish and tadpoles 4. Sunlight Is the ultimate source of energy for all organisms. It is needed for organisms that use sunlight for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis: Plants use the energy in sunlight to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into simple sugars. Sunlight Also affects the development and behaviour of many organisms This is called photoperiod (Greek “photos” means light and “periodos” means “time”). Examples: Plants that flower, trees in autumn, change in the colour of furs and feathers, migration, hibernation, mating patterns, and for humans, seasonal depressive disorder (SDD) Water Water (humidity) is necessary for all life. Organisms need to be able to find water, maintain water balance, and to conserve water All of these things help determine the habitat range for each species. Why drink water? Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs (liquid medium). Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs. 6. Inorganic & Organic Soil Nutrients Inorganic soil nutrients: include minerals such as phosphates (PO43-), nitrates (NO3-), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+) and a host of other minerals derived from rocks. Organic nutrients: include organic compounds in humus which promote the growth of bacteria, fungi, and a host of other organisms beneficial to the soil. Humus Dark, rich soil that is created from the decomposition of “organic” material. Remains of living things such as deceased plant or animal life. In terms of soil, remember that: 1. physical structure 2. water holding potential 3. pH 4. nutrient level of soil …limits the distribution of plants and in turn the animals that inhabit a terrestrial region. For aquatic regions we consider the composition of the substrate (soil under the stream) and how it affects the chemistry of the water above and the plant and animal life living there.