Introduction to Ecology

What is Ecology?

Interactions and Interdependence

Ecology – field of science that studies the interactions of organisms and between organisms and their environment• “eco-” “oikos” (Greek) “house”

• “ology” “study of”

• Ecology is the study of nature’s houses!

Interactions and Interdependence

The largest of these “houses” is the biosphere• Biosphere – combined portions of the planet in which

all life exists, including land water and air

• The biosphere is ~8 km above earth’s surface and ~11 km below ocean’s surface

INTERACTIONS within the biosphere create a web of INTERDEPENDENCE is created between organisms and their environment

Levels of Organization

Cell – basic unit of life Tissue – groups of similar cells Organs – groups of similar tissues Organ Systems – groups of organs

with a similar function Organism – groups of organ systems

that make up an individual

Species – group of similar organisms that can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring

Population – group of same species in the same area

Community – group of different populations in the same area

Ecosystem – all living and non-living things in the same area

Biome – group of ecosystems with similar climates and communities

Biosphere – all biomes put together

Non-EcologyNon-Ecology EcologyEcology

Organism

(Giraffe)

Population

(Herd of Giraffes)

Community

(Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Trees, Grass)

Ecosystem

(Living and Non-living)

Biome

(Southeast area of Africa outlined in yellow)

Biosphere

(Earth)

Ecological Methods

Ecologists have three (3) basic approaches to conducting research:• Observing

• Ex: Jane Goodall

• Experimentation• Artificial environment in laboratory or within natural

ecosystem

• Modeling• Often used to study phenomena that occur over a

long period of time (e.g. global warming)