EcologyEcology

Sci 9 TransitionSci 9 Transition

Ms. NugentMs. Nugent

Ms. RyanMs. Ryan

EcologyEcology

• Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment and surroundings

• Ecology can be grouped in bigger and bigger systems.

InteractionsInteractions

Nature’s HousesNature’s Houses

• Individual– Single organism of specific species

• Population– Groups of the same species that live in the

same area

• Community– Groups of different populations living in a

defined area

EcosystemEcosystemColor in the arrows to show energy cycle

Nature’s HousesNature’s Houses

• Ecosystem– Collection of all organisms living in a

particular place along with non-living or physical environment: rocks, dirt

• Biome– Group of ecosystems with the same climate

and dominant communities

• Biosphere: The EARTH

EcosystemEcosystem

How do we study?How do we study?

• Observation– Ask a question: What species live here?

Hypothesis…what should I look for?

• Experimenting– Testing the hypothesis. Information that will

answer our questions

• Modeling– Using math to track or graph data over long

periods of time.

Energy FlowEnergy Flow

Energy Flow…Energy Flow…

• Producers– SUN– Plants some algae and

bacteria use the sun to create

own food supply: Photosynthesis

AUTOTROPHS turn inorganic (nonliving compounds) into complex living organic molecules

Nutrients and other needed molecules can also flow from one organism to

the other.

CO2 is used by the microorganism to produce O2 The fish then inhales

the O2 and produces CO2

This is known as a cycle.

ConsumersConsumers

• Consumers:– Use energy from producers or other consumers

• HETEROTROPHS– Primary: Herbivores: eat producers only– Secondary: Eat Consumers

• Carnivores: Consumers only• Omnivores: Producers and consumers

• DETROVORES – Recyclers: provide nutrients for producers

• Termites, snails, crabs, earthworms, some bacteria

– Feed on dead material

Tracking RelationshipsTracking Relationships

• Feeding Relationships– Energy flows in ONE direction– From Eaten Eater– Arrow show which way the energy flows

• Food Webs– Shows possible flow of energy in a specific

ecosystem

Food W

eb