The study of interactions of organisms and their environment

“Ecology is nothing”

I. Definition:

Organisms Populations Communities Ecosystems

II. Levels of Investigations in Ecology

Chpt 52 Chpt 53 Chpt 54 Chpt 55

Distribution of organisms

Factors that influence growth of

populations

Interactions of different

species

Energy and matter as it flows through

living and non-living

An Introduction to Ecology and the Biosphere - Chapter 52

Chapter 52: BiomesWhich of the pictures below is not part of a Biome?

Your right… all are part of a type of Biome

Biome Definition:

Large area of the world containing very similar animals and plants

usually named by their most common __________Vegetation

You have all studied biomes in Freshman Biology or Geography class Let’s find out how much you remember!!

Biome Quiz Part I:

Match the description with the Biome

a. Coral Reefs b. Chaparral c. Temperate Grassland d. Pelagic e. Abyssal f. Tropical Forest g. Savannah h. Desert i. Rivers j. Lakes k. Estuaries l. Intertidal m. Taiga n. Tundra o. Deciduous Forest

__________ 1. Found near the equator, where photoperiod and temperature are constant. Abundant rain fall may vary with location and season. This is the most species rich terrestrial biome.__________ 2. Periodically inundated by seawater. Sessile organisms in the uppermost zones are exposed to air and sun.__________ 3. Arid Biome. Low precipitation and daily temperature extremes.__________ 4. Relatively cool climates with deep rich soils. Periodic fires and drought inhibit the growth of large trees and shrubs.__________ 5. Transition zone between rivers and ocean. Area has large fluctuations of salinity. Tend to be very productive with an abundance of organisms.__________ 6. Organisms are dependent on detritus that “rains’ down from above. Some organism can live around vents and use chemosynthesis as an energy source._________ 7. Distinct seasons with sufficient moisture that support large trees that drop and grow leaves.__________ 8. Scrublands of dense, spiny evergreen shrubs, usually adapted to fire. Area tends to be on the coast with mild winters and hot dry summers.__________ 9. Stratified vertically in regards to light. Phytoplankton and zooplankton are primary food sources. Can be categorized as oligotrophic, mesotrophic, or eutrophic depending on nutrients.__________ 10. These areas can change dramatically from its source to its final destination. Organisms very dependent on oxygen levels and flow rates.__________ 11. Very small plants with mat like growth. Trees absent due to permafrost.__________ 12. Animal skeletons form complex calcium carbonate structures that that provide food and shelter for other organism. Warm tropical water only.__________ 13. Dense stands of evergreens characterized by long winters and short summers.__________ 14. Upper layers consist of photosynthetic plankton. This biome covers more of the earth’s surface then any other biome. __________ 15. Tropical grassland with scattered trees. Precipitation varies from dry to wet seasons with frequent fires. Large grazing herbivores are common.

f

l

hc

k

e

o

b

j

i

na

md

g

Biome Quiz Part II:Match the description with the Biome

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

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Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Terrestrial Biomes Self-Quiz

Slide 27

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

Aquatic Biome Self Quiz

A. Why are there major areas in the world that are very similar yet these areas are found in different continents?

III. Ecological questions about Biomes

What factors affect the distribution of these organisms?

Slide 26

B. Factors that Determine Geographic Distribution of Organisms

Does Dispersal limit distribution

Does Behavior limit distribution

Do Biotic Factors limit distribution Do Abiotic

Factors limit distribution

Species is absent because

Yes

No

Area inaccessible

or insufficient time

Yes

Yes

No

No

Habitat Selection

Predation, parasitism, competition, disease

(living factors, other species) Non-living

factors

Chemical Factors

Physical Factors

In the current “Modern” biosphere, which of the above is the most important factor determining species distribution in a Biome? Example: Tropical Rainforest

5. Soil

Similarity in biomes is due to Similarities of Abiotic Factors

1. Water 2. Oxygen3. Salinity4. pH

1. Temperature2. Light3. Fire4. Moisture

IV. Abiotic Factors and Biomes

A. Temperature vs. Precipitation (Climate)

Illinois

As long as specific climate conditions are met, similar biomes will result. Species may be different but similar organism types will result since they occupy similar niches

Desert Grassland Tropical Forest

Temperate Forest

Coniferous Forest

Artic and Alpine Tundra

Illino

is

Where is Illinois on this graph?

B. Light vs. Temperature

Intensity of solar light dependent on:

Latitude of the Earth Tilt of the earth (resulting in the 4 seasons)

1. Areas that receive more light cause warmer moist air to rise leading to precipitation

C. Light vs. Precipitation

2. Areas that receive less light results in cool dry air descending

Why are rainforest found at the equator?

Why are desert mainly found at 30 N and 30 S?

E. Geographical Effects

1. Bodies of water stabilize temperature (warm or cool)

D. Rotation of the Earth

1. “Consistent” wind patterns carry warm moist / dry cool air to influence climate

2. “Consistent” currents carry warm or cool water to influence climate

2. Mountains

Moisture

Rain Shadow

a) air temperature

b) moisture

b) influence biomes due to elevation

a) create rain shadows

Is there evidence of rotational and geographical effects on the earth’s Biomes?

F. Microclimates and Ecotones

1. Local small scale effects that can create a different “mini-biome” within a larger biome

Examples:

1. Under a log (microclimate)

2. Oasis in a desert (microclimate / ecotone)

3. Oak Grove, Long Grove, Buffalo Grove

2. Microclimates may cause Biomes to flow one into the other. The boundaries of a Biome may become fuzzy and “arbitrary”

“Illinois is a Biome Ecotone” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pDQYHNdOE0

Ecotones

V. Species Transplants: What happens when species of one biome “transplant” into a similar biome

A. The Tens Rule

1. One out every ten new “introduced” species will become established in a new “similar” biome of which one out of every ten established transplants will become pests

B. “Successful” transplant

C. “Pest” transplants

African Honey Bee, Zebra Mussel Purple Loosestrife

Examples?

The Cane Toad

The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

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Alewife problem in Lake Michigan

Slide 30