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Introduction to EcologyIntroduction to Ecology

J.T. II Olivar, MAEdJ.T. II Olivar, MAEd

Faculty of Arts and LettersFaculty of Arts and Letters

University of Santo TomasUniversity of Santo Tomas

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Objective of the LectureObjective of the Lecture

To relate the different components of the

ecosystem.

To trace the energy transfer in the foodpyramid using the laws of

thermodynamics.

To point out the connection of the different

biogeochemical cycles in the ecosystem.

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Outline of the LectureOutline of the Lecture

Definition of Ecology and Ecosystem and

other related environmental concepts.

Interactions in the Ecosystem. Laws of Thermodynamics.

Biogeochemical Cycles.

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Definition of EcologyDefinition of Ecology

The word ecology means, literally, the

study of houses.

A branch of biology that studies

interrelationships of organisms with theirenvironments.

Variety of conditions under which organisms

live and adaptations to those conditions.

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The BiosphereThe Biosphere

The area in which life on our planet is

possible.

One gigantic biological system.

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EcosystemEcosystem

It refers to any stable environment in

which living and nonliving things interact,

and in which materials are used over and

over again.

Interactions of:

Biotic community (the group of population)

Physical environment

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Community Structure andCommunity Structure and

Species DiversitySpecies Diversity

Community structure

Biological communities differ in their structure

and physical appearance.

Relative sizes, stratification, and distributions of

populations

Species diversity and Niche structure

Biological communities differ in the types andnumbers of species they contain and the

ecological roles they play

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InteractionsInteractions

Interactions in the Biotic Community

Interaction between the Biotic Community

and the Physical Environment

Interaction within the Physical

Environment

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Interactions in the BioticInteractions in the Biotic

CommunityCommunity

Species interactions

Species can interact and increase their ability

to survive through competition, predation,

parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism.

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Interaction between the Biotic CommunityInteraction between the Biotic Community

and the Physical Environmentand the Physical Environment

Climate

Sunlight

Temperature

Wind

Precipitation

Micro climate

Macro climate

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ClimateClimate

Varies with latitude

Varies seasonally

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TemperatureTemperature

Affected by ocean

currents

Affected by sunlight

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WindWind

PGF

Coriolis Force

Frictional Force

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PrecipitationPrecipitation

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TopographyTopography

Bodies of Water

Landforms

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n erac on w n e ys can erac on w n e ys caEnvironmentEnvironment

Cloud cover reduces light intensity

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Laws of ThermodynamicsLaws of Thermodynamics

First Law: The Law of Conservation of

Energy.

Second Law: The Law of Entropy.

How are these laws applied in the food

pyramid?

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PopulationPopulation

Population density is a measure of the

changing populations by counting and

recording individuals from a very large

area at various times.

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Factors causing fluctuations inFactors causing fluctuations in

population densitypopulation density

Density-dependent factors

Density-independent factors

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Overcrowding andOvercrowding and

UndercrowdingUndercrowding

What are the advantages and

disadvantages of overcrowding and

undercrowding?