Introduction to Ecology

Question 1

Ecology

Answer 1

• scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment
• scientific study of interactions that determines the distribution (Geographic Location) and the abundance of organisms

Question 2

Ecological Hierarchy

Answer 2

Organism
Population
Community
Ecosystem
Biosphere

Question 2

Public vs. Professional Idea about Ecology

Answer 2

Systems do not always return to their original state after disturbance
Random effects often play an important role in nature
Species do not play equal roles in maintaining the function of an ecosystem

Question 3

Population

Answer 3

Group of individuals of a species that are living and interacting in a particular area

Question 4

Community

Answer 4

Association of populations of different species in the same area

Question 5

Ecosystem

Answer 5

Community of organisms plus the physical environment

Question 6

Biosphere

Answer 6

All living organisms on Earth, plus the environments in which they live

Question 7

How ecosystems work

Answer 7

Energy only moves in a single direction within ecosystems
Energy cannot be recycled
Nutrients are constantly being recycled from the physical environment to organisms (nutrient cycle

Question 8

The practice of ecology

Answer 8

High incidence of deformities in amphibians
- Disease
- Environmental factors (radiation

Question 9

Amphibians

Answer 9

“Biological indicators” of environmental problems
Example; canary in a coalmine
Skin is permeable, meaning pollutant molecules can easily pass through
Eggs don’t have a protective shell
Spend part of life on land and part in water (exposed to pollutants and UV in both environments)