Introduction to Ecology

EcologyThe study of the interactions that take place among organisms and their environment

Biosphere

The part of the Earth that supports life

EcosystemAll the organisms living in an area and the nonliving features of their environment

Biotic FactorLiving

PlantsAnimalsSingle-celled organismsfungi

Abiotic FactorsNon-livingAir Soil Temperature Sunlight

PopulationSame species, same area

CommunityAll populations in an ecosystem

Habitat

Where an organism lives

“A habitat is where you hang your hat”

Niche

The whole way of life of an organism

CompetitionInteraction between organisms for food, space, sunlight, ect.Within same speciesBetween different species

Limiting Factor

Anything that restricts the number of individuals in a population. Includes living / biotic and nonliving / abiotic features of the ecosystem

Carrying capacityThe maximum number of individuals of any species that can be supported by an ecosystem

Eating!!

Energy Transfer