What is Ecology?

1. What is Ecology?

2. Ecology – study of interactions between organisms and their environment. • Consists of biotic and abiotic factors • Biotic- living • Abiotic- nonliving; i.e. temperature, soil, air etc.

3. Levels of Organization

4. What is essential for the elk to have energy?

5. Energy flows, matter cycles • Matter is cycled. No matter leaves the earth. • Light energy from the sun arrives at the earth. A small amount is used by living organisms. Most of that energy escapes from the earth and is lost as heat energy into space. • But how we get this energy can vary.

6. Producers vs. Consumers

7. Define the 5 types of consumers with a partner • Herbivore – • Carnivore- • Omnivore- • Detritivore- • Decomposer-

8. Define the 5 types of consumers with a partner • Herbivore – obtain energy by eating ONLY plants • Carnivore – obtain energy by eating ONLY animals • Omnivore- obtain energy by eating both plants and animals • Detritivore – obtain energy by feeding on plant and animal remains • Decomposer – break down organic matter.

9. Energy flows, matter cycles • Matter is cycled. No matter leaves the earth. • Light energy from the sun arrives at the earth. A small amount is used by living organisms. Most of that energy escapes from the earth and is lost as heat energy into space. • But how we get this energy can vary.

10. Producers are the foundation of all living things One way flow of energy. Energy is passed from the producer to 4 different groups of organisms.