1

Introduction to Ecology

Section 1.3

PP. 14-15

2

Define Ecology

Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions of organisms and their environment.

3

Define Ecosystem

Ecosystem is a community of organisms and the physical environment in which it lives.

4

Define Habitat

Refers to the place where an organism lives.

The particular part of the environment in which it lives. 

5

Define Population

Population is all of the members of a species living in the same ecosystem or habitat.

6

Define Community

Communities are common habitat where organisms associate together

7

Define Abiotic Factors

Nonliving factors which affect life in any ecosystem. Some abiotic factors are

1. Space 2. Temperature

3. Oxygen 4. Sunlight

5. Water 6. Soil Nutrient

8

Define Abiotic Factors

1. Space - is the area needed to insure adequate resources to food, water, shelter, and mates.

9

Define Abiotic Factors

2. Temperature determines if an organism can live in a certain.

10

Define Abiotic Factors

3. Oxygen -is needed by organisms so that their cells can release energy from food. 

11

Define Abiotic Factors

4. Sunlight -is the source of energy for all green plants which in turn provide the resources for other living things

12

Define Abiotic Factors

5. Water - is necessary for all life.

13

Define Abiotic Factors

6. Soil Nutrients minerals such as phosphates, nitrates, potassium, magnesium and a host of other minerals.

14

Define Biotic

Biotic refer to the living environment and include all other organisms that interact with the individual, both of the same species and all other species.

15

Define Biotic (Other)

1. Decomposing plant and animal materials including their dead bodies as well as their wastes. Bacteria and fungi living in the ecosystem help to break down the materials and recycle these materials back to the plants.

16

Define Biotic (Other)

2. Disease which is the result of infection by fungi, bacteria,  and viruses. Disease tends to reduce the number of organisms within the community.

17

Define Biotic (Other)

3. Predator/prey interactions which helps to limit the size of populations within an ecosystem. A predator is an animal that kills and eats another animal for food. The prey is the hunted animal.

18

Pedator/Prey Relationship

Example: Lion and Zebra.

When a lion kills a zebra for food, the

lion prevents overpopulation of the

zebra. If the number of zebra

declines too much the lion will starve.

There is a balance between the number

of predator and prey in any ecosystem

19

Define Biotic (Other)

4.Competition which is a struggle for survival that occurs between two organisms either of the same or different species. Birds often compete for nesting space. Lions and hyenas compete for common prey such as antelope.

20

Role of Biotic and Abiotic

Both biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the characteristics of an ecosystem.

In any system, it is the abiotic  factors that have a major influence on the distribution of organisms and these factors are the major components of climate.

21

Role of Biotic and Abiotic

The climate in the arctic is quite different from the climate at the equator such that there is a difference in air temperature and also a difference in the types of plants and animals.

22

Role of Biotic and Abiotic

For example, you would not find a polar bear living at the equator, nor would you find a tropical rain forest in the arctic.

23

Questions Activity

Open the text to page 15– Answer questions 1 to 5 in your exercise books.