Ecology

What is it?• A division of science– The study of the interactions of living organisms

with one another and their physical environment

Population Community Ecosystem Biosphere

Where to start?• How do ecosystems form?– Succession• Regular progression of species replacement that occurs

after a disturbance or development of a new habitat– Species replacement?

» One species replaces another– Disturbance

» Natural• Hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, floods, etc.

» Human• Clearing, fires, building, etc.

– New habitat» NEW! Never sustained life before!

Two types of Succession• Primary Succession– Think first!– Succession that occurs in a newly formed habitat

that has never before sustained life• Example: Retreated glacier

And the second type…

• Secondary Succession– Succession that occurs in areas where there has

been previous growth, such as abandoned fields or forest clearings• Example: Forest fire

What makes up an ecosystem?• Population– Organisms of the same species living in one place

at the same time

• Community– Organisms of many different species living in one

place at the same time

• Ecosystem!– All organisms living in a particular place at the

same time and all the biotic and abiotic factors that affect their way of life• Biotic – living• Abiotic – non-living

• Biosphere– All of Earth’s ecosystems

Factors

• Biotic– Living

• Abiotic–Non-living

List the Biotic and Abiotic Factors