Lecture I. Ecosystems Flashcards
Define ecology
the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their environment
Define biosphere
the zone of life on earth
What is an abiotic factor?
a non-living factor
What is a biotic factor?
a living factor
What is population ecology?
Analyzes factors that affect population size and how and why it changes through time
What is community ecology?
Examines how interactions between species such as predation and competition affect community structure and size
What is ecosystem ecology?
Emphasizes energy flow and chemical cycling between organisms and the environment
How do organisms interact with each other and with their
environment?
1) mutualism
2) competitive
3) predation
Examples of biotic factors (living)
- mutualists
- competitors
- herbivors
Examples of abiotic factors (non-living)
- physical: air temperature, sunlight, atm, climate
- chemical: pH
What are the three main roles of ecology in day to day life
1) Improving our environment
2) Public health
3) Natural resource management
Ecology
the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their environment
Biosphere
zone of life on earth
Abiotic fators
non living factors
What is landscape ecology?
Exchange of energy, materials, and organisms across multiple ecosystems
