1 Ecological Relationships.pdf

Ecological Relationships Darwin recognized organisms were continuously interacting with their environment. As the environment changes, those organisms with the necessary adaptations are more likely to survive. Since Darwin’s time scientists have begun to appreciate the interaction of organisms and...

Ecological Relationships Darwin recognized organisms were continuously interacting with their environment. As the environment changes, those organisms with the necessary adaptations are more likely to survive. Since Darwin’s time scientists have begun to appreciate the interaction of organisms and their environments. Ecology The study of interactions that take place between organisms and their environment Population A group consisting of all the members of a species who live in a defined area. Community All the populations of different species that live and interact in a particular environment Population Individuals of one species in an area Community All species (animals, plants) in an area Herd of Buffalo Being Chased by Lions Ecosystem All species with their physical environment Ecosystem: the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors within an environment.  Biotic: living  Abiotic: non-living Alpine Ecosystem - Winter Park,CO Biotic Factors? Abiotic Factors? Biosphere: the portion of the Earth that supports life A Tour Of The Biosphere data collected from the orbiting SeaStar/ SeaWiFS instrument. (NASA) Habitat The physical environment in which an organism lives Your habitat is your house Habitat The physical environment in which an organism lives Inside an Ecosystem Habitat: Where an organism lives. Niche: How an organism meets its needs (food, shelter, reproduction, etc.) The role it plays in its environment. Symbiotic Relationships A close and permanent relationship between organisms. 3-way mutualism evolved between an ant, a caterpillar, and an acacia tree in the American southwest. The Caterpillars have nectar organs which the ants drink from, and the acacia tolerates the feeding caterpillars. The ants provide protection for both plant and caterpillar. Mutualism: both species benefit Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is neither harmed nor helped. Spanish Moss hangs from trees in Florida. It does not help, or harm them. Parasitism: one species (parasite) benefits while the other (host) is harmed. Competition When organisms occupy the same niche. Competition can occur between two different species or within the same species. In fact members of the same species are always competing. That’s how Natural Selection works! Define The following: • Producer • Consumer • Herbivore • Omnivore • Carnivore • Scavenger • Decomposer • Detritivore • Pioneer Species • Energy Source for all life • Nutrients