An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere

The Scope of Ecology1. What environmental factors determine the

geographic distribution of gray whales?2. How do variations in their food supply

affect the size of the gray whale population?Ecology – the scientific study of the

interactions between organisms and the environment

https://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/gwhale/maps/map_annual.gif

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/whale_graymigration

Hierarchy of scales that ecologists studyhttps://quizlet.com/bioteach57

52.1 Ecology integrates all areas of biological research and informs environmental decision makingDiscovery science - describes natural

structures and processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and analysis of data

Experimental science – generate hypotheses, manipulate the environment, and observe the outcome

Ex) Fig. 52.3 – Findings? Advantages over using discovery science instead?

Linking Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Ecological effect vs an evolutionary effect

Ecology and Environmental IssuesScience vs advocacyhttps://

www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference/12-presentations/Saffert_NJ%20Fertilizer%20Law.pdf

http://nj.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/envh10.sci.life.eco.silentspring/rachel-carsons-silent-spring/

52.2 Interactions between organisms and the environment limit the distribution of speciesWhere and why do species occur where they

do?Biotic vs abiotic factorshttps://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/

129184136.pngFig 52.5

Dispersal and DistributionThe movement of individuals away from their area

of origin or from centers of high population density.

Is dispersal a key factor in limiting the distribution of a species?

Natural range expansions vs species transplantsFig. 52.7 Dispersal of the cattle egret in the

AmericasPotential range vs actual rangehttp://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/

birding/european-starling/

Behavior and Habitat SelectionMust be able to tolerate conditions in the

habitat and be able to find the resources it needs to survive

https://ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/european_corn_borer.pdf

Biotic FactorsDoes the presence of other species limit

distribution?Predation, parasitism, or competitionFig. 52.8 Does feeding by sea urchins limit

seaweed distribution?