Module 1 Introduction to Ecology PDF

Lecture 1: Introduction to Ecology and Ecological Disciplines  Lecture 1 Learning Objectives 1. Define ecology 2. Describe the hierarchical nature of the study of ecology 3. Distinguish and give examples of biotic and abiotic factors NOTE: 4....

Lecture 1: Introduction to Ecology and Ecological Disciplines  Lecture 1 Learning Objectives 1. Define ecology 2. Describe the hierarchical nature of the study of ecology 3. Distinguish and give examples of biotic and abiotic factors NOTE: 4. Give examples of subdisciplines Each lecture will of ecology begin with the 5. Describe what is meant by learning objectives “question-driven research” and This is a list of the give examples of seminal concepts you should questions in ecology be able to define, 6. Define natural history and explain, distinguish, explain how it is applied to the etc. field of ecology This is your “Study Guide” and tells you what you need to  Ecology Defined: Study of the relationships between organisms and the environment Organisms Environment Simple definition… but a broad scientific discipline!  Subfields of Ecology Organismal ecology Population ecology Community ecology Ecosystem ecology  Ecology is Hierarchical The study of ecology is complex (considers many variables) and hierarchical (from individual up to global). For example: an ecologist interested in zebra populations would want to know about: Predators Resources Behavior Abiotic factors Course structure: will increase in ecological complexity and will focus on both biotic and abiotic factors Ecology is Interdisciplinary Examples physiological ecology evolutionary ecology behavioral ecology Fig. 1.2 New ecological disciplines Aeroecology: ecology of the earth- atmosphere boundary Urban ecology: study of urban areas as complex, dynamic ecological systems influenced by interconnected biological, physical, and social components  Ecology is Question Driven The goal of ecology is to explain/understand why Involves asking questions and designing studies Studies are designed based upon: – Scientific question – Observations and current theories – Temporal/spatial scales – Research tools available  Sample ecological question: How do species coexist in the same habitat? Theory: predicts that species with the same ecological requirements will lead to competition and eventual exclusion Observation: 5 species of warblers inhabit the same tress Question: How do species of warblers coexist? Experimental Study: Observe how species use resources and interact Robert Macarthur  MacArthur’s Conclusions Species utilized resources differently, allowing them to coexist – Occupied different areas of the trees – Captured insects in different ways – Nested at different times Sample ecological question: Why do zebras have stripes? Ecology can transcend the study of observations in the present Paleoecology: Tracks changes over long periods of time Example: lake sediment accumulates over time – Can study contents and features of sediment to quantify changes and answer questions about past conditions Changes in pollen found in layers of lake sediment reflect changes in forest composition over time Knowledge of natural history is often used to guide the field of ecology Natural history: study of how organisms in a particular area are influenced by factors such as climate, soils, predators, competitors, and evolutionary history.  Coming Up… Next 2 lectures will explore natural history of the biosphere – Climate and biomes – Life on land – Life in water To prepare for next class – Review the lecture slides – Practice answering the quiz questions – Study until you understand all concepts in the quiz