Ecology Basics

Ecology

Definition

• The study of the relationships between organisms and their environment

Levels of Organization

• Individuals: Single organisms, e.g., a tree
• Populations: Groups of individuals of the same species, e.g., a group of trees
• Communities: Groups of different species living in the same area, e.g., a forest ecosystem
• Ecosystems: Communities and their physical environment, e.g., a forest and its soil, water, and air
• Biomes: Large regions of the Earth with similar climate, vegetation, and animal life, e.g., desert, rainforest, or tundra
• Biosphere: The entire region of the Earth where life exists, encompassing all ecosystems

Ecological Concepts

• Habitat: The natural environment in which an organism lives
• Niche: The specific role and position of an organism within its environment
• Population Dynamics: The study of changes in population size and growth over time
• Species Interactions: The relationships between different species, e.g., predation, competition, symbiosis

Ecological Principles

• Energy Flow: Energy from the sun is transferred through food chains and webs
• Nutrient Cycling: Essential nutrients are recycled through ecosystems
• Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals an ecosystem can support
• Biodiversity: The variety of species, ecosystems, and genes within an ecosystem

Ecological Applications

• Conservation Biology: The application of ecological principles to preserve and protect ecosystems
• Ecological Restoration: The process of restoring degraded or damaged ecosystems
• Sustainable Development: The use of ecological principles to guide human development and minimize environmental impact