Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who coined the term 'ecology'?
Who coined the term 'ecology'?
What does the Greek word 'oikos' mean?
What does the Greek word 'oikos' mean?
What is the focus of the study of ecology?
What is the focus of the study of ecology?
What is an organism, according to ecology?
What is an organism, according to ecology?
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What does the concept of 'environment' include in ecology?
What does the concept of 'environment' include in ecology?
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What is the result of the interactions between individuals, populations, and their environment?
What is the result of the interactions between individuals, populations, and their environment?
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What is the term for the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environment?
What is the term for the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environment?
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What is included in the variables of interest to ecologists?
What is included in the variables of interest to ecologists?
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What is the term for all the population occupying a given area?
What is the term for all the population occupying a given area?
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What is the largest level of ecological organization?
What is the largest level of ecological organization?
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What is a biome?
What is a biome?
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What is the term for the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms and their physical environment?
What is the term for the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms and their physical environment?
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What is the term for the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms on Earth?
What is the term for the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms on Earth?
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What is the term for a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area?
What is the term for a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area?
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What are the two types of aquatic ecosystems?
What are the two types of aquatic ecosystems?
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What is the most critical component of an ecosystem?
What is the most critical component of an ecosystem?
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What is the definition of ecology?
What is the definition of ecology?
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What is a characteristic of ecology as a subject?
What is a characteristic of ecology as a subject?
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What is the origin of the conceptualization of ecology and the theory of evolution?
What is the origin of the conceptualization of ecology and the theory of evolution?
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Why is ecology important for all living species?
Why is ecology important for all living species?
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What do ecologists study?
What do ecologists study?
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What is the meaning of the Greek word 'oikos'?
What is the meaning of the Greek word 'oikos'?
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What is a habitat?
What is a habitat?
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What happens if one thing changes in a habitat?
What happens if one thing changes in a habitat?
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What is the term used to describe the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits?
What is the term used to describe the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits?
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What is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers?
What is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers?
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What is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes?
What is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes?
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What is the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time?
What is the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time?
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What is the constant productivity despite major disturbances such as typhoon, drought, floods, etc.?
What is the constant productivity despite major disturbances such as typhoon, drought, floods, etc.?
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What is the even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries?
What is the even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries?
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What is the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors?
What is the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors?
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What type of cycle is characterized by the health or well-being of an ecosystem?
What type of cycle is characterized by the health or well-being of an ecosystem?
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What is a major concern regarding endangered or threatened species?
What is a major concern regarding endangered or threatened species?
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What are the non-living chemical and physical factors that affect living organisms and ecosystems?
What are the non-living chemical and physical factors that affect living organisms and ecosystems?
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What is the focus of organismal ecology?
What is the focus of organismal ecology?
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What is the name of the rare butterfly that is highly dependent on the presence of wild lupine plants for its survival?
What is the name of the rare butterfly that is highly dependent on the presence of wild lupine plants for its survival?
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What is the characteristic of the habitat of the Karner blue butterfly?
What is the characteristic of the habitat of the Karner blue butterfly?
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What is the term for the study of the adaptations that enable an organism to survive in a specific habitat?
What is the term for the study of the adaptations that enable an organism to survive in a specific habitat?
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What is the characteristic of a coral reef ecosystem?
What is the characteristic of a coral reef ecosystem?
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What is the term for the study of the interactions between individual organisms and their environment?
What is the term for the study of the interactions between individual organisms and their environment?
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The four basic principles of ecology were formulated by a biologist and physicist named Charles Darwin.
The four basic principles of ecology were formulated by a biologist and physicist named Charles Darwin.
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In ecology, everything must go somewhere, including energy and matter.
In ecology, everything must go somewhere, including energy and matter.
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The study of ecology only focuses on living organisms and their interactions.
The study of ecology only focuses on living organisms and their interactions.
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There are six levels of ecological organization, ranging from organism to biosphere.
There are six levels of ecological organization, ranging from organism to biosphere.
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The concept of 'nature knows best' means that human intervention can improve the natural environment.
The concept of 'nature knows best' means that human intervention can improve the natural environment.
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There is no such thing as a free lunch in ecology, meaning that every action has a consequence.
There is no such thing as a free lunch in ecology, meaning that every action has a consequence.
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The ecosystem is the highest level of ecological organization.
The ecosystem is the highest level of ecological organization.
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Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.
Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.
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A community refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area
A community refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area
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The biosphere is the portion of earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere
The biosphere is the portion of earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere
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An ecosystem is composed of three components: community, population, and organism
An ecosystem is composed of three components: community, population, and organism
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A population is a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area
A population is a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area
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The five levels of ecological organization, in order, are: organism, community, population, ecosystem, and biosphere
The five levels of ecological organization, in order, are: organism, community, population, ecosystem, and biosphere
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The biosphere is the largest level of ecological organization
The biosphere is the largest level of ecological organization
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A community is a single species occupying a given area
A community is a single species occupying a given area
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The ecosystem is the interaction between the community and the non-living environment
The ecosystem is the interaction between the community and the non-living environment
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Cybernetics is the study of control and communication in animals and humans.
Cybernetics is the study of control and communication in animals and humans.
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The first law of cybernetics is not relevant to understanding and developing individual self-determination.
The first law of cybernetics is not relevant to understanding and developing individual self-determination.
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Energy flow is not a driving force of ecosystem functions.
Energy flow is not a driving force of ecosystem functions.
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The study of cybernetics is only relevant to machines and not humans.
The study of cybernetics is only relevant to machines and not humans.
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The organization in which we work is an example of a system.
The organization in which we work is an example of a system.
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The study of cybernetics is a modern concept with no historical roots.
The study of cybernetics is a modern concept with no historical roots.
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Cybernetics is not relevant to social and organizational systems.
Cybernetics is not relevant to social and organizational systems.
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The first law of cybernetics is not essential for our ability to interact and respond effectively within work and beyond.
The first law of cybernetics is not essential for our ability to interact and respond effectively within work and beyond.
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Most of the water taken up by the roots is used for growth and metabolism in plants.
Most of the water taken up by the roots is used for growth and metabolism in plants.
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The hydrologic cycle is driven by the sun's heat energy.
The hydrologic cycle is driven by the sun's heat energy.
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Dredging is a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling organisms or harvesting coral.
Dredging is a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling organisms or harvesting coral.
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Pollution is the introduction of harmless materials into the environment.
Pollution is the introduction of harmless materials into the environment.
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Ecology is the study of the interactions between individuals and their physical environment.
Ecology is the study of the interactions between individuals and their physical environment.
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Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash.
Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash.
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The majority of water in plants is used for releasing water from their leaves, which then evaporates.
The majority of water in plants is used for releasing water from their leaves, which then evaporates.
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Dredging always causes significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems.
Dredging always causes significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems.
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Siltification is a type of water pollution caused by dissolved chemicals.
Siltification is a type of water pollution caused by dissolved chemicals.
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Agroecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environment.
Agroecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their natural environment.
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Deforestation and soil erosion can lead to the clotting of water channels and reservoirs with silt and mud.
Deforestation and soil erosion can lead to the clotting of water channels and reservoirs with silt and mud.
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Agroecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the management of natural ecosystems.
Agroecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the management of natural ecosystems.
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Siltification refers to the increased concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
Siltification refers to the increased concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
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Ecological principles can be used to improve agricultural production systems.
Ecological principles can be used to improve agricultural production systems.
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Siltification is a type of air pollution.
Siltification is a type of air pollution.
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Agroecology is a pure science that studies ecological processes in natural environments.
Agroecology is a pure science that studies ecological processes in natural environments.
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The term 'ecology' was coined by the German zoologist _______________________ Haeckel.
The term 'ecology' was coined by the German zoologist _______________________ Haeckel.
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The Greek word 'oikos' means _______________________ or 'place to live'.
The Greek word 'oikos' means _______________________ or 'place to live'.
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Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to their _______________________ environment.
Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to their _______________________ environment.
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An _______________________ is a living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.
An _______________________ is a living being that has a cellular structure and that can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.
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The concept of 'environment' involves relationships between individuals within a population and between individuals of different _______________________.
The concept of 'environment' involves relationships between individuals within a population and between individuals of different _______________________.
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The interactions between individuals, populations, and their environment form _______________________.
The interactions between individuals, populations, and their environment form _______________________.
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Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount (_____________________), number and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems.
Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount (_____________________), number and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems.
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Ecology deals with the organism and its environment, which includes _______________________ surroundings.
Ecology deals with the organism and its environment, which includes _______________________ surroundings.
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A ______ is an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form
A ______ is an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form
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A ______ is a group of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time
A ______ is a group of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time
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A ______ refers to all the populations in an ecosystem
A ______ refers to all the populations in an ecosystem
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The ______ is the portion of earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere
The ______ is the portion of earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere
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The 5 levels of ecological organization, in order, are organism, ______, community, ecosystem, and biosphere
The 5 levels of ecological organization, in order, are organism, ______, community, ecosystem, and biosphere
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The ______ is the interaction of the community and the non-living environment from an ecosystem
The ______ is the interaction of the community and the non-living environment from an ecosystem
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The ______ is the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms and their physical environment
The ______ is the level of ecological organization that includes all living organisms and their physical environment
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The ______ is the largest level of ecological organization, including all living organisms on Earth
The ______ is the largest level of ecological organization, including all living organisms on Earth
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Ø occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with ______ and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion
Ø occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with ______ and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion
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Ø or siltification, is water pollution caused by particulate terrestrial clastic ______, with a particle size dominated by silt or clay
Ø or siltification, is water pollution caused by particulate terrestrial clastic ______, with a particle size dominated by silt or clay
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The ______ cycle is characterized by the health or well-being of an ecosystem.
The ______ cycle is characterized by the health or well-being of an ecosystem.
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The ______ is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.
The ______ is the outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.
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AGROECOLOGY is a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development and management of ______ environment
AGROECOLOGY is a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development and management of ______ environment
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Ø is an applied science that studies ecological processes applied to ______ production systems
Ø is an applied science that studies ecological processes applied to ______ production systems
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The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts is called ______.
The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts is called ______.
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Ø Bringing ecological principles to bear can suggest new management approaches in ______ systems
Ø Bringing ecological principles to bear can suggest new management approaches in ______ systems
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The constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors is known as ______.
The constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors is known as ______.
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The ______ cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
The ______ cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
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AGROECOLOGY is a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development and management of ______ environment
AGROECOLOGY is a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development and management of ______ environment
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The even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries is known as ______.
The even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries is known as ______.
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Ø or siltification, is water pollution caused by particulate terrestrial clastic material, with a particle size dominated by ______ or clay
Ø or siltification, is water pollution caused by particulate terrestrial clastic material, with a particle size dominated by ______ or clay
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Ø refers both to the increased concentration of suspended ______ and to the increased accumulation of fine sediments on bottoms where they are undesirable
Ø refers both to the increased concentration of suspended ______ and to the increased accumulation of fine sediments on bottoms where they are undesirable
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The net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time is known as ______.
The net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time is known as ______.
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The constant productivity despite major disturbances such as typhoon, drought, floods, etc. is known as ______.
The constant productivity despite major disturbances such as typhoon, drought, floods, etc. is known as ______.
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The scientific discipline that involves the study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment is known as _______________________.
The scientific discipline that involves the study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment is known as _______________________.
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The increase of concentration of a substance in an organism due to accumulation from water and food exposure is known as _______________________.
The increase of concentration of a substance in an organism due to accumulation from water and food exposure is known as _______________________.
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The outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes is known as the _______________________.
The outermost layer of the Earth that is composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes is known as the _______________________.
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Thestudy of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment, including the _______________________.
Thestudy of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment, including the _______________________.
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The cycles of matter and energy that transport the earth’s chemical components in time and space are affected by the _______________________.
The cycles of matter and energy that transport the earth’s chemical components in time and space are affected by the _______________________.
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The position occupied by an organism in the food chain is known as the _______________________.
The position occupied by an organism in the food chain is known as the _______________________.
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The accumulation of a chemical by an organism from water and food exposure that results in a concentration greater than expected from equilibrium is known as _______________________.
The accumulation of a chemical by an organism from water and food exposure that results in a concentration greater than expected from equilibrium is known as _______________________.
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The study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment is also known as the study of the _______________________.
The study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment is also known as the study of the _______________________.
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Study Notes
Definition of Ecology
- Coined by German zoologist Ernst Haeckel, who applied the term "oekologie" to the relationship between animals and their organic and inorganic environment.
- Derived from the Greek word "oikos," meaning "household," "home," or "place to live."
- Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to their physical and chemical environment.
Organism and Environment
- An organism is a living being with a cellular structure that can independently perform all physiological functions necessary for life.
- Environment includes both other organisms and physical surroundings.
- Interactions between individuals, populations, and organisms and their environment form ecological systems, or ecosystems.
Ecosystems
- Ecosystems are the study of interrelationships and interdependencies of organisms with their environment.
- Ecosystems can be terrestrial, aquatic, or a combination of both.
- There are 5 levels of ecological organization: organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.
Levels of Ecological Organization
- Biosphere: the global sum of all ecosystems on Earth.
- Biome: a large, naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.
- Ecosystem: a community of living and non-living components interacting with each other.
- Community: a group of populations of different species living in a specific area.
- Population: a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
- Organism: a living being with a cellular structure.
Types of Ecosystems
- Terrestrial ecosystems: including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
- Aquatic ecosystems: including freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.
Components of an Ecosystem
- Functional components: energy, food, and other important factors.
- Gaseous and sedimentary cycles: including the hydrological cycle, terrestrial profile, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.
Ecosystem Properties
- Productivity: the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time.
- Sustainability: the constant productivity despite major disturbances.
- Equitability: the even distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries.
- Stability: the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors.
Important Terminologies and Definitions
- Carbon cycle: the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
- Pedosphere: the outermost layer of the Earth composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.
- Transpiration: the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.
- Abiotic component: the non-living chemical and physical factors that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.
- Organismal ecology: the study of how an individual interacts with its environment, focusing on morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations.
- Coral reefs: underwater ecosystems characterized by reef-building corals.
The Four Basic Principles of Ecology
- Everything is connected to everything else: humans and other species are dependent on each other and are part of a large network of interrelated components.
- Everything must go somewhere: all actions have consequences and materials are transformed but not eliminated.
- Nature knows best: natural systems are self-regulating and human interventions can have unintended consequences.
- There is no such thing as a free lunch: all actions require energy and resources, and every gain has a corresponding cost.
5 Levels of Ecological Organization
- Organism: an individual living being, such as an animal, plant, or microbe.
- Population: a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
- Community: multiple populations interacting with each other in a specific area.
- Ecosystem: the interaction between living organisms and their non-living environment.
- Biosphere: the entire portion of the Earth that supports life, from the ocean floor to the atmosphere.
Ecological Concepts
- Energy flow: the driving force behind ecosystem functions, particularly solar energy absorbed by plants for growth and food production.
- Cybernetics: the science of control and communication in systems, including living organisms and machines.
- Functional components of an ecosystem: control of cybernetics, which includes the study of regulation, control, and organization.
Important Terminologies and Definitions
- Population: all organisms in an ecosystem that belong to the same species.
- Community: refers to populations in an ecosystem.
- Hydrologic cycle: the process of water evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, driven by the sun's heat energy.
- Ecology: the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Dredging: the excavation of material from a water environment, often used for collecting marine life or reshape land and water features.
- Pollution: the introduction of harmful materials into the environment, causing damage to air, water, and land quality.
- Agroecology: the science of applying ecological concepts to the design, development, and management of agricultural environments.
Other Concepts
- Food web: the network of energy flow and nutrient exchange in an ecosystem.
- Lost habitat – species migration: the impact of habitat destruction on species migration and adaptation.
Ecology Definition and Overview
- Ecology is the study of relationships and processes linking living things to the physical and chemical environment.
- The term "ecology" comes from the Greek "oikos," meaning "household," "home," or "place to live."
- Ecology deals with the organism and its environment.
Organism and Environment
- An organism is a living being that has a cellular structure and can independently perform all physiologic functions necessary for life.
- In multi-cellular organisms, all cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems work together to maintain the life and health of the organism.
- Environment includes both other organisms and physical surroundings.
Ecological Systems
- Interactions between individuals, populations, and organisms and their environment form ecological systems or ecosystems.
- Ecosystems consist of the community and the non-living environment.
5 Levels of Ecological Organization
- Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
- Population: groups of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time.
- Community: refers to populations in an ecosystem.
- Ecosystem: interaction of the community and the non-living environment.
- Biosphere: the portion of the earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere.
Functional Components of an Ecosystem
- Gaseous and sedimentary cycles: nutrient cycling characterizes the health or well-being of an ecosystem.
- Hydrological cycle: the process of water movement through the environment.
- Carbon cycle: the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
- Nitrogen cycle: the process of nitrogen exchange among the environment.
- Phosphorous cycle: nutrient cycling that characterizes the health or well-being of an ecosystem.
Ecosystem Properties
- Productivity: the net increase in number or biomass per unit area and time.
- Sustainability: the constant productivity despite major disturbances.
- Equitability: the even or just distribution of ecosystem products and services among human beneficiaries.
- Stability: the constant productivity despite small variability in climate and other environmental factors.
Important Terminologies and Definitions
- Agroecology: a science that deals with applying ecological concepts and principles to the design, development, and management of agricultural environments.
- Biogeochemistry: the scientific discipline that involves the study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment.
- Biological magnification: the increase of concentration of a substance in an organism through food and water exposure.
- Pedosphere: the outermost layer of the earth composed of soil and subject to soil formation processes.
- Transpiration: the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.
Ecological Organization
- The 5 levels of ecological organization are: organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.
- Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
- Population: groups of individuals of the same species in a certain area at a given time.
- Community: populations of different species in an ecosystem.
- Ecosystem: interaction between a community and its non-living environment.
- Biosphere: the portion of the earth that supports life, extending from the bottom of the ocean to high in the atmosphere.
Structural Components of an Ecosystem
- Non-living components (abiotic factors): inorganic substances (e.g. nitrogen, carbon, water), organic compounds (e.g. carbohydrates, proteins), and climate regimes (e.g. rainfall, temperature).
Keystone Species
- A species that is disproportionately connected to more species in the food web, having a significant impact on the ecosystem.
- Loss of a keystone species can result in dramatic cascading effects, altering trophic dynamics and potentially causing extinctions.
Food Chain and Food Web
- A food relationship among plants and animals.
- Energy flow drives ecosystem functions, with solar energy being absorbed by plants for growth and food production.
Functional Components of an Ecosystem
- Cybernetics: the science of control and communications in systems, including biological and mechanical systems.
- Cybernetics is used to explain and manage the effective workings of systems and can help individuals develop greater self-determination and understanding.
Important Terminologies and Definitions
- Deep Sea Vent: a hydrothermal vent formed on the ocean floor where seawater circulates through hot volcanic rocks, supporting diverse and unusual organisms.
- Tropical Forest: a terrestrial biome characterized by vertical stratification with trees in the canopy blocking light to bottom strata, receiving high rainfall, and having uniformly high temperatures.
- Silotation: a process by which water becomes dirty due to fine mineral particles in the water.
- Biogeochemistry: the study of chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment.
- Biological Magnification: the increase in concentration of a substance in an organism due to exposure to water and food, resulting in a concentration greater than expected from water exposure alone.
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Introduction to ecology, its definition, and its significance in understanding relationships between living organisms and their environment.
