Ecology Fundamentals

Ecology

Definition

• Study of the relationships between organisms and their environment
• Examines how organisms interact with each other and their surroundings

Levels of Organization

• Organism: individual living thing
• Population: group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area
• Community: group of different species living in a specific area
• Ecosystem: community of organisms and their physical environment
• Biosphere: all ecosystems on Earth

Ecosystem Components

• Biotic factors: living components (organisms, plants, animals)
• Abiotic factors: non-living components (light, temperature, water, soil)

Energy Flow

• Producers: organisms that make their own food (plants, algae)
• Consumers: organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms
  • Herbivores: consume plants
  • Carnivores: consume animals
  • Omnivores: consume both plants and animals
• Decomposers: organisms that break down dead organic matter (bacteria, fungi)

Nutrient Cycles

• Carbon cycle: movement of carbon between organisms and the environment
• Nitrogen cycle: movement of nitrogen between organisms and the environment
• Water cycle: movement of water between organisms and the environment

Ecosystem Services

• Provisioning services: providing resources (food, water, wood)
• Regulating services: regulating ecosystem processes (climate, water cycles)
• Cultural services: providing recreational and spiritual benefits
• Supporting services: maintaining ecosystem health and function

Human Impact on Ecosystems

• Pollution: release of harmful substances into the environment
• Climate change: global warming and associated impacts
• Habitat destruction: destruction of natural habitats
• Invasive species: introduction of non-native species that outcompete native species