60 likes | 67 Views
Learn about the field of ecology, which studies the interactions of organisms and their environment. Explore the concept of interdependence and the levels of organization within ecosystems. Discover ecological research methods such as observation, experimentation, and modeling.
E N D
Introduction to Ecology What is Ecology?
Interactions and Interdependence • Ecology – field of science that studies the interactions of organisms and between organisms and their environment • “eco-” “oikos” (Greek) “house” • “ology” “study of” • Ecology is the study of nature’s houses!
Interactions and Interdependence • The largest of these “houses” is the biosphere • Biosphere – combined portions of the planet in which all life exists, including land water and air • The biosphere is ~8 km above earth’s surface and ~11 km below ocean’s surface • INTERACTIONS within the biosphere create a web of INTERDEPENDENCE is created between organisms and their environment
Cell – basic unit of life Tissue – groups of similar cells Organs – groups of similar tissues Organ Systems – groups of organs with a similar function Organism – groups of organ systems that make up an individual Species – group of similar organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring Population – group of same species in the same area Community – group of different populations in the same area Ecosystem – all living and non-living things in the same area Biome – group of ecosystems with similar climates and communities Biosphere – all biomes put together Levels of Organization Non-Ecology Ecology
Organism (Giraffe) Population (Herd of Giraffes) Community (Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Trees, Grass) Biome (Southeast area of Africa outlined in yellow) Biosphere (Earth) Ecosystem (Living and Non-living)
Ecological Methods • Ecologists have three (3) basic approaches to conducting research: • Observing • Ex: Jane Goodall • Experimentation • Artificial environment in laboratory or within natural ecosystem • Modeling • Often used to study phenomena that occur over a long period of time (e.g. global warming)