The study of the interactions between organisms and the living and nonliving components of their

environment.

The study of the interactions between organisms and the living and nonliving components of their

environment.

Table of Contents: EcologyTable of Contents: Ecology

Levels of Organization slides 3-7 Organism Ecology (vocabulary) slides 8-9 Ecosystems and Energy slides 10-17 Ecosystem Recycling slides 18-20 Populations slides 21-30 Succession slides 31-36 Invasive Species slides 37-41 Modern Issues slides 42-57

Levels of Organization slides 3-7 Organism Ecology (vocabulary) slides 8-9 Ecosystems and Energy slides 10-17 Ecosystem Recycling slides 18-20 Populations slides 21-30 Succession slides 31-36 Invasive Species slides 37-41 Modern Issues slides 42-57

Levels of OrganizationLevels of Organization Biosphere

– The thin layer of the earth that supports life (as thin as the skin of an apple!)

Biosphere– The thin layer of the earth that supports life (as thin as the

skin of an apple!)

Levels of OrganizationLevels of Organization Biomes

– Any of the worlds major ecosystems, classified by predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment.

– Terrestrial Biomes include Tropical forests, Savanna, Desert, Chaparral,

Temperate Grassland, Temperate Broadleaf Forest, Coniferous Forest, Tundra, High Mountains, Polar Ice

– Aquatic Biomes include Lakes, Wetlands, Streams and Rivers, Estuaries,

intertidal zones, oceanic pelagic zones, coral reefs, marine benthic zones

Biomes– Any of the worlds major ecosystems, classified

by predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment.

– Terrestrial Biomes include Tropical forests, Savanna, Desert, Chaparral,

Temperate Grassland, Temperate Broadleaf Forest, Coniferous Forest, Tundra, High Mountains, Polar Ice

– Aquatic Biomes include Lakes, Wetlands, Streams and Rivers, Estuaries,

intertidal zones, oceanic pelagic zones, coral reefs, marine benthic zones

Levels of OrganizationLevels of Organization

Ecosystem– Includes all of the living (biotic) and non living

(abiotic) components within a particular place. Biotic Components of a Pond

– includes fish, turtles, plants, algae, insects, bacteria. – These interact with each other.

Abiotic Components of a Pond– water temperature, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide,

nitrogen levels, sun light, pH level.– These are necessary for the living organisms to survive.

Ecosystem– Includes all of the living (biotic) and non living

(abiotic) components within a particular place. Biotic Components of a Pond

– includes fish, turtles, plants, algae, insects, bacteria. – These interact with each other.

Abiotic Components of a Pond– water temperature, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide,

nitrogen levels, sun light, pH level.– These are necessary for the living organisms to survive.

Levels of OrganizationLevels of Organization

Community– Includes all of the interacting organisms within an area.

Population– Includes all of the members of a species that live in one

place at a time. Organism

– The individual in a population.– Represents the simplest level of organization.– Most studies focus on the individual organism and how

it has adapted to overcome the challenges in its environment.

Community– Includes all of the interacting organisms within an area.

Population– Includes all of the members of a species that live in one

place at a time. Organism

– The individual in a population.– Represents the simplest level of organization.– Most studies focus on the individual organism and how

it has adapted to overcome the challenges in its environment.

Levels of OrganizationLevels of Organization

Organism EcologyOrganism Ecology

Biotic Factors - living factors that affect an organism.

Abiotic Factors - non living factors that affect an organism.

Habitat - where an organism lives Environmental Fluctuations

– As the environment changes, an organism must be able to tolerate those changes otherwise it will stress and exhibit reduced performance or simply die.

Biotic Factors - living factors that affect an organism.

Abiotic Factors - non living factors that affect an organism.

Habitat - where an organism lives Environmental Fluctuations

– As the environment changes, an organism must be able to tolerate those changes otherwise it will stress and exhibit reduced performance or simply die.

Organism EcologyOrganism Ecology

Niche– Way of life or the role of an organism in its

environment. Bacteria recycle nutrients Predators keep prey populations under control Plants use CO2 and produce O2 also provide food for

grazers.

Niche– Way of life or the role of an organism in its

environment. Bacteria recycle nutrients Predators keep prey populations under control Plants use CO2 and produce O2 also provide food for

grazers.

Ecosystems and EnergyEcosystems and Energy

What’s the 10% Rule?What’s the 10% Rule?

Energy TransferEnergy Transfer

A common characteristic of all living organisms is they require energy to carry out metabolic activities.

Producers– Usually photosynthetic plants (autotrophs)– Can also be chemosynthetic (certain bacteria)

A common characteristic of all living organisms is they require energy to carry out metabolic activities.

Producers– Usually photosynthetic plants (autotrophs)– Can also be chemosynthetic (certain bacteria)

Energy TransferEnergy Transfer

Measuring Productivity– Gross Primary Productivity

Rate at which producers capture energy Energy is used to make sugar which is used for

repairs, for growth or cellular respiration

– Biomass Organic matter in the ecosystem

– Net Primary Productivity Rate at which biomass accumulates in an ecosystem

– NPP is highest in biomes like tropical rain forests and estuaries

Measuring Productivity– Gross Primary Productivity

Rate at which producers capture energy Energy is used to make sugar which is used for

repairs, for growth or cellular respiration

– Biomass Organic matter in the ecosystem

– Net Primary Productivity Rate at which biomass accumulates in an ecosystem

– NPP is highest in biomes like tropical rain forests and estuaries

Energy TransferEnergy Transfer Consumers are Heterotrophs

– Herbivores - consume producers Cows, deer, mice

– Carnivores - eat consumers Mountain Lions, bald eagles, snakes

– Omnivores - eat both producers and consumers Bears, people

– Detritivores - feed on dead matter Vultures, certain beetles

– Decomposers - decay complex molecules of dead tissue and wastes into simpler molecules Bacteria, Fungus

Consumers are Heterotrophs– Herbivores - consume producers

Cows, deer, mice

– Carnivores - eat consumers Mountain Lions, bald eagles, snakes

– Omnivores - eat both producers and consumers Bears, people

– Detritivores - feed on dead matter Vultures, certain beetles

– Decomposers - decay complex molecules of dead tissue and wastes into simpler molecules Bacteria, Fungus

Energy TransferEnergy Transfer

Energy Flow Energy in an ecosystem moves from one organism

into another Trophic Level

– The organisms position in the sequence of energy transfers

Food Chain– A single pathway of feeding relationships in an ecosystem

that shows energy transfer

Food Web– a series of interrelated food chains in an ecosystem

Energy Flow Energy in an ecosystem moves from one organism

into another Trophic Level

– The organisms position in the sequence of energy transfers

Food Chain– A single pathway of feeding relationships in an ecosystem

that shows energy transfer

Food Web– a series of interrelated food chains in an ecosystem

Food ChainFood Chain

Food WebFood Web

Ecosystem RecyclingEcosystem Recycling The Water Cycle The Water Cycle

Ecosystem RecyclingEcosystem Recycling The Carbon Cycle The Carbon Cycle

Ecosystem RecyclingEcosystem Recycling

EcologyEcology

Populations:

Growth, Carrying Capacity, Variables

Populations:

Growth, Carrying Capacity, Variables

Population GrowthPopulation Growth If resources, such as food, water and habitats, were

unlimited, then a population of organisms would grow in an exponential fashion.

If resources, such as food, water and habitats, were unlimited, then a population of organisms would grow in an exponential fashion.

Imagine if this growth curve represented mosquitoes, elephants or people. The earth would be over-run and all resources would be rapidly depleted!

Imagine if this growth curve represented mosquitoes, elephants or people. The earth would be over-run and all resources would be rapidly depleted!

Population GrowthPopulation Growth Fortunately, in nature resources are limited. Limited resources slow growth and if you graph

numbers of organisms over time, the graph takes the shape below.

Fortunately, in nature resources are limited. Limited resources slow growth and if you graph

numbers of organisms over time, the graph takes the shape below.

Population: Carrying CapacityPopulation: Carrying Capacity

Notice the top of the smooth graph is labeled “carrying capacity”.

This is the number of organisms that a habitat can sustain with the available resources.

If the number of organisms exceeds the carrying capacity, the population can begin to decline.

Notice the top of the smooth graph is labeled “carrying capacity”.

This is the number of organisms that a habitat can sustain with the available resources.

If the number of organisms exceeds the carrying capacity, the population can begin to decline.

Population CurvePopulation Curve Notice the tail on this graph.

When resources have been overused or depleted, the organisms begin to die out.

Notice the tail on this graph.

When resources have been overused or depleted, the organisms begin to die out.

Population: Carrying CapacityPopulation: Carrying Capacity What happened to

the reindeer on Matthew Island?

The reindeer overused their resources and exceeded the islands carrying capacity almost dying out.

What happened to the reindeer on Matthew Island?

The reindeer overused their resources and exceeded the islands carrying capacity almost dying out.

Population Size: VariablesPopulation Size: Variables

What other factors affect the size of a population?– Birth Rates– Death Rates– Immigration-the movement of individuals from

other areas.– Emigration-the movement of individuals out of a

population.

What other factors affect the size of a population?– Birth Rates– Death Rates– Immigration-the movement of individuals from

other areas.– Emigration-the movement of individuals out of a

population.

Population Size: VariablesPopulation Size: Variables If the arrows represent actual rates, what would

happen to the size of the population circle if the death rate arrow was cut in half or the immigration arrow was doubled?

If the arrows represent actual rates, what would happen to the size of the population circle if the death rate arrow was cut in half or the immigration arrow was doubled?

Population

Birth Rate

Emigration

Death Rate

Immigration

Population Size: VariablesPopulation Size: Variables If the death rate arrow were cut in half or the

immigration arrow was doubled, the population circle would increase in size.

If the death rate arrow were cut in half or the immigration arrow was doubled, the population circle would increase in size.

Population

Birth Rate

Emigration

Death Rate

Immigration

Population: VariablesPopulation: Variables

In the United States, birth rates, death rates and emigration rate are low but our immigration rate is climbing. How is that affecting our population size?

In the United States, birth rates, death rates and emigration rate are low but our immigration rate is climbing. How is that affecting our population size?

EcologyEcology

SuccessionSuccession

Ecological SuccessionEcological Succession

Changes in the number and type of organisms in a community are most apparent after some type of disturbance to the habitat.

The disturbed area may be colonized by a variety of new organisms, which are gradually replaced by other organisms until a stable group of species persists within the area.

This process is called Ecological Succession.

Changes in the number and type of organisms in a community are most apparent after some type of disturbance to the habitat.

The disturbed area may be colonized by a variety of new organisms, which are gradually replaced by other organisms until a stable group of species persists within the area.

This process is called Ecological Succession.

Ecological Succession cont.Ecological Succession cont.

One type of ecological succession is called Primary Succession.

In primary succession, a new piece of new real estate, such as a volcanic island where soil and organisms are lacking, is invaded by lichens and mosses which are usually blown in as spores.

As soil develops, these organisms are overgrown by grasses, shrubs and trees that are blown in or brought in by animals.

Eventually, the area is colonized by plants that become the main form of vegetation.

This process can take hundreds to thousands of years.

One type of ecological succession is called Primary Succession.

In primary succession, a new piece of new real estate, such as a volcanic island where soil and organisms are lacking, is invaded by lichens and mosses which are usually blown in as spores.

As soil develops, these organisms are overgrown by grasses, shrubs and trees that are blown in or brought in by animals.

Eventually, the area is colonized by plants that become the main form of vegetation.

This process can take hundreds to thousands of years.

Below is an example of rock covered with lichens.

To the right, the foreground is bare rock covered with lichens and mosses. The middle ground contains a small amount of soil with plants. The background is a stable forest.

Ecological SuccessionEcological Succession

Secondary succession occurs when an existing community is cleared by some disturbance such as fires, glaciation, deforestation, etc.

Under these circumstances the sequence of colonization can vary but generally weeds and other opportunistic plants first invade followed by grasses or shrubs. These can then be replaced by trees species.

Secondary succession occurs when an existing community is cleared by some disturbance such as fires, glaciation, deforestation, etc.

Under these circumstances the sequence of colonization can vary but generally weeds and other opportunistic plants first invade followed by grasses or shrubs. These can then be replaced by trees species.

Secondary succession occurs in areas where plants were already established but were disturbed. This sequence represents a once planted field in North Carolina.

EcologyEcology

Invasive Species

(Non-Native)

Invasive Species

(Non-Native)

Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species

After habitat loss and degradation, mostly due to human activity, the biggest cause of early organism extinction is the introduction of harmful invasive species into an ecosystem.

Invasive species have been intentionally and accidentally introduced in the U.S. for years.

Intentionally introduced species include– wheat, rice, corn, cattle, poultry.

Accidentally introduced species include an estimated 7100 organisms in the U.S. alone

After habitat loss and degradation, mostly due to human activity, the biggest cause of early organism extinction is the introduction of harmful invasive species into an ecosystem.

Invasive species have been intentionally and accidentally introduced in the U.S. for years.

Intentionally introduced species include– wheat, rice, corn, cattle, poultry.

Accidentally introduced species include an estimated 7100 organisms in the U.S. alone

Invasive Species cont.Invasive Species cont.

Accidentally introduced species include– Brown tree snakes, Japanese beetles, African

honeybees, zebra mussels, Formosan Termites, Burmese pythons, Gypsy moths, etc.

Species like these cost the U.S. public approximately $261,000 per minute in damage and control.

Accidentally introduced species include– Brown tree snakes, Japanese beetles, African

honeybees, zebra mussels, Formosan Termites, Burmese pythons, Gypsy moths, etc.

Species like these cost the U.S. public approximately $261,000 per minute in damage and control.

Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species

These invasive species cause so much damage because they have no natural predators, competitors, parasites or pathogens when introduced into a new environment.

Nonnative species can reduce or wipe-out populations of many native species, trigger ecological disruption, cause human health problems and lead to economic loss.

These invasive species cause so much damage because they have no natural predators, competitors, parasites or pathogens when introduced into a new environment.

Nonnative species can reduce or wipe-out populations of many native species, trigger ecological disruption, cause human health problems and lead to economic loss.

Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species

Kudzu Vine

FormosanTermite

BurmesePython

Gypsy MothCatepillar

EcologyEcology

Modern Issues

(Optional Information)

Modern Issues

(Optional Information)

EcologyEcology

Human Population Explosion From 2 Billion in 1930 to 6 Billion in 1996 Projected to reach over 7.8 Billion in 2050

Human Population Explosion From 2 Billion in 1930 to 6 Billion in 1996 Projected to reach over 7.8 Billion in 2050

World Population ProjectionsWorld Population Projections

EcologyEcology

Mass Extinctions– The last extinction occurred 65 mya probably

due to an asteroid impact.– Currently organisms are going extinct at a rate

unseen since the dinosaurs last died out. – By 2100, it is expected that one fifth of the

current organisms will be extinct.– Why? Habitat destruction, over hunting, the

introduction of predators and disease.

Mass Extinctions– The last extinction occurred 65 mya probably

due to an asteroid impact.– Currently organisms are going extinct at a rate

unseen since the dinosaurs last died out. – By 2100, it is expected that one fifth of the

current organisms will be extinct.– Why? Habitat destruction, over hunting, the

introduction of predators and disease.

Mass Extinction 1Mass Extinction 1

The following mass extinctions were due to natural causes.– First major extinction (c. 440 mya): Climate change

(relatively severe and sudden global cooling) seems to have been at work at the first of these-the end-Ordovician mass extinction that caused such pronounced change in marine life (little or no life existed on land at that time). 25% of families lost (a family may consist of a few to thousands of species).

The following mass extinctions were due to natural causes.– First major extinction (c. 440 mya): Climate change

(relatively severe and sudden global cooling) seems to have been at work at the first of these-the end-Ordovician mass extinction that caused such pronounced change in marine life (little or no life existed on land at that time). 25% of families lost (a family may consist of a few to thousands of species).

Mass Extinctions 2-3Mass Extinctions 2-3

Second major extinction (c. 370 mya): The next such event, near the end of the Devonian Period, may or may not have been the result of global climate change. 19% of families lost.

Third major Extinction (c. 245 mya): Scenarios explaining what happened at the greatest mass extinction event of them all (so far, at least!) at the end of the Permian Period have been complex amalgams of climate change perhaps rooted in plate tectonics movements. Very recently, however, evidence suggests that a bolide impact similar to the end-Cretaceous event may have been the cause. 54% of families lost.

Second major extinction (c. 370 mya): The next such event, near the end of the Devonian Period, may or may not have been the result of global climate change. 19% of families lost.

Third major Extinction (c. 245 mya): Scenarios explaining what happened at the greatest mass extinction event of them all (so far, at least!) at the end of the Permian Period have been complex amalgams of climate change perhaps rooted in plate tectonics movements. Very recently, however, evidence suggests that a bolide impact similar to the end-Cretaceous event may have been the cause. 54% of families lost.

Mass Extinction 4Mass Extinction 4

Fourth major extinction (c. 210 mya): The event at the end of the Triassic Period, shortly after dinosaurs and mammals had first evolved, also remains difficult to pin down in terms of precise causes. 23% of families lost.

Fourth major extinction (c. 210 mya): The event at the end of the Triassic Period, shortly after dinosaurs and mammals had first evolved, also remains difficult to pin down in terms of precise causes. 23% of families lost.

Mass Extinction 5Mass Extinction 5

Fifth major extinction (c. 65 mya):– Most famous, perhaps, was the most recent of these events at

the end-Cretaceous. It wiped out the remaining terrestrial dinosaurs and marine ammonites, as well as many other species across the phylogenetic spectrum, in all habitats sampled from the fossil record. Consensus has emerged in the past decade that this event was caused by one (possibly multiple) collisions between Earth and an extraterrestrial bolide (probably a comet). 17% of families lost.

Fifth major extinction (c. 65 mya):– Most famous, perhaps, was the most recent of these events at

the end-Cretaceous. It wiped out the remaining terrestrial dinosaurs and marine ammonites, as well as many other species across the phylogenetic spectrum, in all habitats sampled from the fossil record. Consensus has emerged in the past decade that this event was caused by one (possibly multiple) collisions between Earth and an extraterrestrial bolide (probably a comet). 17% of families lost.

Last Extinction EventLast Extinction Event

The Sixth Mass ExtinctionThe Sixth Mass Extinction

How is the Sixth Extinction different from previous events?– The current mass extinction is anthropogenic (caused by

humans). Humans are the direct cause of ecosystem stress and species

destruction in the modern world through such activities as:

– Habitat degradation– Overexploitation of species– Pollution– The introduction of invasive species

How is the Sixth Extinction different from previous events?– The current mass extinction is anthropogenic (caused by

humans). Humans are the direct cause of ecosystem stress and species

destruction in the modern world through such activities as:

– Habitat degradation– Overexploitation of species– Pollution– The introduction of invasive species

EcologyEcology Thinning Ozone Layer

– This layer is responsible for protecting life from UV radiation from the sun.

– CFC’s in the earth’s upper atmosphere cause ozone (O3) to break down into oxygen (O2).

– This effect is magnified at the earth’s poles.– A 1992 treaty banned CFC’s (Chloroflourocarbons) from

use, but long-term persistence of CFC’s in the atmosphere continues to degrade ozone.

– Recent evidence suggests ozone degradation is slowing.

Thinning Ozone Layer– This layer is responsible for protecting life from UV

radiation from the sun.

– CFC’s in the earth’s upper atmosphere cause ozone (O3) to break down into oxygen (O2).

– This effect is magnified at the earth’s poles.– A 1992 treaty banned CFC’s (Chloroflourocarbons) from

use, but long-term persistence of CFC’s in the atmosphere continues to degrade ozone.

– Recent evidence suggests ozone degradation is slowing.

Total OzoneTotal Ozone

Ozone HoleOzone Hole

EcologyEcology

Modern Issues– Global Warming

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produce by humans has increase the atmospheric CO2 steadily since the late 1800’s.

Modern Issues– Global Warming

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produce by humans has increase the atmospheric CO2 steadily since the late 1800’s.

EcologyEcology

Global Warming – The increase in “greenhouse gases” (CO2, O3,

CH4) is slowly increasing the average temperature of the earth.

– This is resulting in rising sea level, melting ice caps, changes in storm patterns and changes in oceanic current flows.

Environmental knowledge is essential in trying to stop and reverse destructive human practices.

Global Warming – The increase in “greenhouse gases” (CO2, O3,

CH4) is slowly increasing the average temperature of the earth.

– This is resulting in rising sea level, melting ice caps, changes in storm patterns and changes in oceanic current flows.

Environmental knowledge is essential in trying to stop and reverse destructive human practices.