Ecology

Interdependence

Key Theme in EcologyCrucial interactions occur

between organisms and the living and nonliving

environment.

Levels of Organization

Why is the amount of sunlight important to

animals in an ecosystem?

Ecosystems

Shaped by Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Biotic Factors• Community interactions:–Competition• Competitive Exclusion Principle

–Predation–Symbiosis•Mutualism• Commensalism• Parisitism

Abiotic Factors• Climate• Temperature• Precipitation• Sunlight• Geographic distribution• Soil• Elevation

Survival

Optimal range Tolerance limitsAcclimation (not adaptation)

Internal controlConformers (cold-blooded )

Regulators (warm-blooded)

Escape Short/long term DormancyMigration

Habitat vs. Niche

o Generalisto Specialist

Why do different species never occupy

exactly the same niche?

A small rodent species and a bird species are

adapted to cold temperatures. How might each species

survive a major temperature increase?