Introduction to Ecology

What is Ecology?

• Ecology studies interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment.
• Two main components: biotic factors (living influences) and abiotic factors (nonliving components).
• Ecologists employ observation, experimentation, and modeling as their primary methods.

Biosphere

• Encompasses all life on Earth and every area where life exists.

Definition of Key Terms

• Ecology: Focuses on organism-environment interactions.
• Species: A group of similar organisms capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring.
• Population: Individuals of the same species located in a specific area.
• Community: Different populations coexisting in a defined area.
• Ecosystem: All living organisms in an area, along with their physical environment.
• Biome: Collection of ecosystems with similar climates and organisms.

Factors in Ecology

• Biotic Factors: Any living component of an environment that influences organisms.
• Abiotic Factors: Any nonliving component of an environment impacting interactions.

Levels of Organization

• Ranges from individual species to the entire biosphere:
  • Species
  • Population
  • Community
  • Ecosystem
  • Biome
  • Biosphere

Ecological Study Methods

• Modern ecologists utilize scientific methodology through:
  • Observation: Noting and recording behaviors and interactions.
  • Experimentation: Testing hypotheses under controlled conditions.
  • Modeling: Creating representations of ecological processes.