Introduction to Ecology. Ecology The study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and...

Introduction to Introduction to EcologyEcology

EcologyEcology

The study of interactions among organisms The study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment, and between organisms and their environment, or surroundings.or surroundings.

Discovery Channel :: Planet Earth :: Portrait ofDiscovery Channel :: Planet Earth :: Portrait of the Planet the Planet

EcosystemEcosystem

Living and non-living Living and non-living factors in the same place factors in the same place at the same timeat the same time

Ex:Ex:

fish tank, pond, forest, fish tank, pond, forest, etc.etc.

Organization of the EcosystemOrganization of the Ecosystem

Go to Section:

Biotic FactorsBiotic Factors

Living factors that has an effect on another Living factors that has an effect on another living organismliving organism

Example for a bird: Example for a bird:

Trees, other birds, insects, worms, etcTrees, other birds, insects, worms, etc

Abiotic FactorsAbiotic Factors

Non-living factors Non-living factors that has an effect that has an effect on a living on a living organismorganism

Example for a Example for a bird:bird:

Water, Water, wind, temperature, wind, temperature, lightlight

Biotic Factors

ECOSYSTEM

Abiotic Factors

Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Discuss 2 ways biotic factors and 2 ways abiotic factors can affect the life

of a tree.

HabitatHabitat

The place where an organism livesThe place where an organism lives The addressThe address The habitat for a bull frog = The habitat for a bull frog = The habitat of the giant anteater =The habitat of the giant anteater =

NicheNiche

What an organism does in an environmentWhat an organism does in an environment The occupation or the role of an organismThe occupation or the role of an organism Includes how an organism gets its food, Includes how an organism gets its food,

reproduces, avoids predators, etc.reproduces, avoids predators, etc. Determines an organisms habitatDetermines an organisms habitat Example:Example:

Wood peckers survive by finding insects in the Wood peckers survive by finding insects in the bark of a treebark of a tree

Bay-Breasted WarblerFeeds in the middlepart of the tree

Yellow-Rumped WarblerFeeds in the lower part of the tree andat the bases of the middle branches

Cape May WarblerFeeds at the tips of branchesnear the top of the tree

Spruce tree

Three Species of Warblers and Their Niches

Limiting FactorsLimiting Factors

Each species is adapted to a specific set of Each species is adapted to a specific set of conditionsconditions

Organisms thrive best in environments that Organisms thrive best in environments that have specific conditions that meet their needs.have specific conditions that meet their needs.

Example:Example:Plants need sunlight.Plants need sunlight.Certain fish may prefer certain water Certain fish may prefer certain water temperatures therefore will be found at certain temperatures therefore will be found at certain depths.depths.

PopulationsPopulations&&

CommunitiesCommunities

PopulationPopulation

All the organisms of one species that live in All the organisms of one species that live in one place at a particular timeone place at a particular time

Example:Example:

Herd of deerHerd of deer

Flock of geeseFlock of geese

CommunityCommunity

All of the populations that interact with each All of the populations that interact with each other in a particular placeother in a particular place

Living OrganismsLiving Organisms Example:Example:

Bison, antelope, insects, grassBison, antelope, insects, grass

60

1990

Moose

19950

Wolf

1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1985

1990 1995

0

2400

Moose Wolves

Wolf and Moose Populations on Isle

Royale

Go to Section:

1980

Community InteractionsCommunity Interactions

CompetitionCompetition PredationPredation SymbiosisSymbiosis SuccessionSuccession

CompetitionCompetition The main interaction between organismsThe main interaction between organisms May be for food, water, shelter, mateMay be for food, water, shelter, mate Results in natural selection= best fit survive Results in natural selection= best fit survive

(evolution)(evolution) • • Types of Competition:Types of Competition:

1. interspecific: competition between two different 1. interspecific: competition between two different speciesspecies

Ex: lions and hyenasEx: lions and hyenas2. intraspecific: competition between members of the 2. intraspecific: competition between members of the same speciessame species

Ex: a female lion competes with other lions for Ex: a female lion competes with other lions for foodfood

Can you identify the types of Can you identify the types of competition???competition??? Video - on CBSVideo - on CBS

Number 2Number 2 Number 3Number 3

PredationPredation

As a member of a population, you either “eat As a member of a population, you either “eat or be eaten”or be eaten”

Members of one population are the food Members of one population are the food source for another populationsource for another population

Predator:Predator:

The organism which is eating anotherThe organism which is eating another Prey:Prey:

The organism which is being eatenThe organism which is being eaten

Define interspecific and intraspecific forms of competition.

Give an example of each type.

SymbiosisSymbiosis

When an organism has a close relationship When an organism has a close relationship with another organismwith another organism

Each partner can help the other, harm the Each partner can help the other, harm the other, or have no effect on the other partnerother, or have no effect on the other partner

Video clip of SymbiosisVideo clip of Symbiosis

Types of symbiosisTypes of symbiosis

1. parasitism:1. parasitism:A parasite lives on or in another organism for food or shelterA parasite lives on or in another organism for food or shelterThe host usually continues to live, but it is harmedThe host usually continues to live, but it is harmed

Ex: tapeworm in the human intestinesEx: tapeworm in the human intestines 2. commensalism:2. commensalism:

One organism benefits while the other is unaffectedOne organism benefits while the other is unaffectedEx. birds on the back of a buffaloEx. birds on the back of a buffalo

Fish attached to sharkFish attached to shark 3. mutualism:3. mutualism:

Both members of the relationship benefitBoth members of the relationship benefitEx: bacteria in our intestinesEx: bacteria in our intestines

Bees and flowersBees and flowers

SuccessionSuccession

The gradual replacement of one type of community for The gradual replacement of one type of community for another another

Occurs 2 ways:Occurs 2 ways:

1. Primary succession:1. Primary succession: Occurs in areas where there is no soil (bare rock, Occurs in areas where there is no soil (bare rock,

hardened lava or ash)hardened lava or ash) Lichens: first organism to appear; also called pioneer speciesLichens: first organism to appear; also called pioneer species

2. Secondary succession:2. Secondary succession: Occurs in areas where soils present (after a forest fire)Occurs in areas where soils present (after a forest fire)

Lichens

EcosystemsEcosystems

Basic Characteristics Basic Characteristics of an Ecosystem:of an Ecosystem:

1.1. Biotic FactorsBiotic Factors

2.2. Abiotic FactorsAbiotic Factors

3.3. Energy Flow between organisms and their Energy Flow between organisms and their environmentenvironment

Spoonbill

Duck

DragonflyPhytoplankton

FrogWater lilies

Mosquitolarvae

SnailDivingbeetle

Trout

Pickerel

Duckweed

Snail Benthiccrustaceans

Hydra

Frogs lay eggs in the shallowwater near shore.The eggs hatch in the water as tadpolesand move to the land as adults.

The shore is lined with grasses that provide shelter and nestingplaces for birds and otherorganisms.

The roots of water liliescling to the pond bottom,while their leaves, on longflexible stems, float on thesurface.

The bottom of the pond isinhabited by decomposers andother organisms that feed onparticles drifting down from thesurface.

Fish share the pondwith turtles and other animals. Many of them feed on insectsat the water’s edge.

Plankton and the organisms thatfeed on them live near the surfacewhere there is enough sunlight forphotosynthesis. Microscopic algaeare among the most importantproducers.

Freshwater Pond Ecosystem

Crayfish

Energy Flow through EcosystemsEnergy Flow through Ecosystems

Sunlight: Sunlight: main source of energy for life on main source of energy for life on EarthEarth

Trophic levels:Trophic levels:

Trophic= feedingTrophic= feeding

examples: examples:

producersproducers

consumersconsumers

1st level 1st level Also called autotrophsAlso called autotrophs Uses energy from the environment Uses energy from the environment

(SUNLIGHT)(SUNLIGHT) plantsplants

Primary Consumers

• Also called heterotrophs

• Organisms that feed on producers

• Deer, buffalo, mice, etc

Secondary Consumers

• Organisms that feed on primary consumers

• Birds, fox, etc

Tertiary Consumers

• Organisms that feed on secondary consumers

• Large hawk, cat, etc

Types of ConsumersTypes of Consumers Herbivores:Herbivores:

Eats plants Ex. cows, deer, caterpillarsEats plants Ex. cows, deer, caterpillars Carnivores:Carnivores:

Meat eaters Ex: snakes, dogs, owlsMeat eaters Ex: snakes, dogs, owls Omnivores:Omnivores:

Eats both plants and animals Ex. humansEats both plants and animals Ex. humans Detritivores:Detritivores:

Feeds on plant and animal remains and other dead Feeds on plant and animal remains and other dead matter matter Ex. mites, earthworms, snails, crabsEx. mites, earthworms, snails, crabs

Decomposers:Decomposers:Breaks down organic matter Breaks down organic matter

Ex. bacteria, fungiEx. bacteria, fungi

Food ChainFood Chain Energy that is passed from one trophic level to Energy that is passed from one trophic level to

a trophic level that is highera trophic level that is higher Example:Example:

Food WebFood Web

Interconnected Food Interconnected Food ChainsChains

Food PyramidFood Pyramid

Shows trophic levelsShows trophic levels Producers on lowest levelProducers on lowest level Also can show total mass of each organism in Also can show total mass of each organism in

the levelthe level

Pyramid of NumbersShows the relativenumber of individualorganisms at eachtrophic level.

Biomass PyramidRepresents the amount ofliving organic matter at each trophic level. Typically, thegreatest biomass is at the base of the pyramid.

Energy PyramidShows the relative amount of energy available at each trophic level. Organisms use about 10 percent of this energy for life processes. The rest is lost as heat.

Ecological Pyramids

DDT and Food WebsDDT and Food Webs

DDT was used as insecticideDDT was used as insecticide DDT does not break down in organisms and is DDT does not break down in organisms and is

passed from one trophic level to the nextpassed from one trophic level to the next Highest levels found at the top of the food Highest levels found at the top of the food

chainchain Known as biomagnificationsKnown as biomagnifications

DDT in Eagles and OspreyDDT in Eagles and Osprey

Have highest levels of DDTHave highest levels of DDT Causes shells of eggs to be fragileCauses shells of eggs to be fragile Cause decrease of populationsCause decrease of populations

Why is a food web more accurate than a food chain in portraying the relationships that exist among organisms in an ecosystem?

SunlightSome heatescapesinto space

Greenhousegases trapsome heat

Atmosphere

Earth’s surface

Sunlight

Most direct sunlight

Sunlight

Sunlight

Sunlight

90°N North Pole

66.5°N

23.5°N

0°

23.5°S

66.5°S

90°S South Pole

Arctic circle

Tropic of Cancer

Equator

Tropic of Capricorn

Arctic circle

Heating of the Earth’s Surface and Some Factors That Affect Climate

Greenhouse Effect Different Latitudes

BiomeBiome ••Based on yearly precipitation and temperature Based on yearly precipitation and temperature

(climate)(climate)

Tropical rain forest

Tropical dry forest

Tropical savanna Temperate woodlandand shrubland

Desert

Temperate grassland

Boreal forest(Taiga)

Northwesternconiferous forest

Temperate forest

Mountains andice caps

Tundra

The World’s Major Land Biomes

Ten Major BiomesBiome Precipitatio

nTemperature Soil Diversity Trees Grasses

Tropical Rain Forest

high hot poor high dense sparse

Tropical Dry Forest

variable mild rich moderate medium medium

Tropical Savanna

variable mild clay moderate sparse dense

Desert low variable poor moderate sparse sparseTemperate Grassland

moderate summer hot rich moderate absent dense

Temperate woodland and Shrubland

summer low, winter moderate

summer hot poor low medium medium

Temperate Forest

moderate summer moderate, winter cold

rich high dense sparse

Northwestern Coniferous Forest

high summer mild, winter cold

rocky, acidic

low dense sparse

Boreal Forest moderate summer mild, winter cool

poor, acidic

moderate dense sparse

Tundra low summer mild, winter cold

poor low absent medium

Project

• Food Web Biome Poster

The Recycling of Materials in The Recycling of Materials in Ecosystems:Ecosystems:

CarbonCarbon

4 ways carbon is recycled in an ecosystem:4 ways carbon is recycled in an ecosystem:

1. photosynthesis1. photosynthesis

2. respiration2. respiration

3. decomposition (decay)3. decomposition (decay)

4. burning4. burning

CO2 inAtmosphere

CO2 in Ocean

The Carbon Cycle

Oxygen CycleOxygen Cycle

NitrogenNitrogen

Nitrogen fixation:Nitrogen fixation: Special type of bacteria found on the roots of Special type of bacteria found on the roots of

legumes (peas, beans, peanuts, alfalfa, clover)legumes (peas, beans, peanuts, alfalfa, clover) Take free nitrogen from air and change it into Take free nitrogen from air and change it into

nitratesnitrates Nitrates used to make plant grow, plant Nitrates used to make plant grow, plant

produces nutrients for bacteria = mutualismproduces nutrients for bacteria = mutualism

N2 in Atmosphere

NH3

NO3-

and NO2-

The Nitrogen Cycle

Condensation

Seepage

Runoff

Precipitation

TranspirationEvaporation

RootUptake

The Water Cycle

Importance of Importance of BiodiversityBiodiversity

Hardy-Weinberg LawHardy-Weinberg Law

5 conditions that must occur for a population not to 5 conditions that must occur for a population not to change:change:

1. no mutations1. no mutations

2. no immigration (entering) and no emigration 2. no immigration (entering) and no emigration (leaving)(leaving)

3. population must be large3. population must be large

4. individuals have the same chance of surviving4. individuals have the same chance of surviving

5. matings of individual organisms must be 5. matings of individual organisms must be randomrandom

BiodiversityBiodiversity

The amount of variety in a communityThe amount of variety in a community Also called species diversityAlso called species diversity

• • Low biodiversity:Low biodiversity:

Few species of plants and animalsFew species of plants and animals

• • High biodiversity:High biodiversity:

Many species in a communityMany species in a community

Importance of BiodiversityImportance of Biodiversity

1. ecosystem stability1. ecosystem stability2. medicinal purposes, possible cures for 2. medicinal purposes, possible cures for

diseasesdiseases Main reason why biodiversity is decreasing:Main reason why biodiversity is decreasing:

Habitat destructionHabitat destruction Ways humans destroy habitats:Ways humans destroy habitats:

Clearing landClearing land building damsbuilding damshighways, etchighways, etc

Rain ForestsRain Forests

70 -90% of the earth’s biodiversity will be lost 70 -90% of the earth’s biodiversity will be lost with destruction of rain forestswith destruction of rain forests

Scientists are trying to identify and classify Scientists are trying to identify and classify many newly discovered organismsmany newly discovered organisms

Fear that we are losing valuable medicinesFear that we are losing valuable medicines

People and the People and the EnvironmentEnvironment

DesertificationDesertification

Severe threat to our soil supplySevere threat to our soil supply Loss due to drought or poor farming practices Loss due to drought or poor farming practices Ex.Ex.

Cattle grazing: Eat plants down to the roots; Cattle grazing: Eat plants down to the roots; plants can no longer hold nutrients. Land plants can no longer hold nutrients. Land becomes dry and bare.becomes dry and bare.Irrigation: water pumped from the ground Irrigation: water pumped from the ground contains minerals (salt). Water evaporates, contains minerals (salt). Water evaporates, minerals remain. Land is unsuitable for minerals remain. Land is unsuitable for agriculture.agriculture.

ErosionErosion

Increased as humans cut forests and removes Increased as humans cut forests and removes plantsplants

Loose soil is washed away by rainLoose soil is washed away by rain Example:Example:

Dust Bowl: Great Plains 1930’sDust Bowl: Great Plains 1930’s

Farmers now grow crops in ways that Farmers now grow crops in ways that reduce soil erosion reduce soil erosion

Water pollutionWater pollution

Raw sewageRaw sewage Thermal pollutionThermal pollution

Air pollutionAir pollution

Addition of gases and tiny solid particles Addition of gases and tiny solid particles added to the air by human activitiesadded to the air by human activities

Harmful Human ActivitiesHarmful Human Activities

Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) IndustryIndustry Forest firesForest fires

Natural OccurrencesNatural Occurrences

Forest firesForest fires Dust stormsDust storms Erupting volcanoesErupting volcanoes

Global Global Air Pollution Air Pollution

ProblemsProblems

Acid RainAcid Rain(Acid Precipitation)(Acid Precipitation)

Harmful gases produced by burning coal, oil, Harmful gases produced by burning coal, oil, and gasolineand gasoline

Gases carried by winds for long distancesGases carried by winds for long distances Gases combine with water droplets, making Gases combine with water droplets, making

the rain acidicthe rain acidic Damage has been done to many forests, lakes, Damage has been done to many forests, lakes,

rivers, etc. rivers, etc. Also damage to statues.Also damage to statues.

Global WarmingGlobal Warming Earth kept warm by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Earth kept warm by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

(greenhouse effect)(greenhouse effect) Burning of fossil fuels releases excessive amounts of Burning of fossil fuels releases excessive amounts of

carbon dioxide, which causes more heat to be carbon dioxide, which causes more heat to be trapped.trapped.

Also caused by burning of rain forests as land is Also caused by burning of rain forests as land is cleared.cleared.

Average global temperatures have increased in the Average global temperatures have increased in the past 100 yearspast 100 years

Causes climate changes which result in movements in Causes climate changes which result in movements in plant and animal species plant and animal species

Sunlight

Some heat escapesinto space

Greenhousegases trapsome heat

Atmosphere

Earth’s surface

The G

reen

house

Eff

ect

Ozone DepletionOzone Depletion

Caused by Chlorofluorocarbons Caused by Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (CFCs)

Found in air conditioners, Found in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosol cans (hair refrigerators, aerosol cans (hair spray, deodorant, spray paint, etc)spray, deodorant, spray paint, etc)

Ozone blocks UV radiation from Ozone blocks UV radiation from the sun. the sun.

UV rays damages DNA in our UV rays damages DNA in our cells (skin cancer) cells (skin cancer)

Montreal Protocol: 1987Montreal Protocol: 1987

Agreement between many countries listing Agreement between many countries listing steps needed to protect the ozone layer by steps needed to protect the ozone layer by limiting or eliminating the use of ozone-limiting or eliminating the use of ozone-depleting chemicals by 1996.depleting chemicals by 1996.

Human Population GrowthHuman Population Growth

Most serious problem that affects all life on Most serious problem that affects all life on EarthEarth

Increasing Agricultural revolution (better tools Increasing Agricultural revolution (better tools and methods) and Industrial Revolutionand methods) and Industrial Revolution

Advances in farming and medicine.Advances in farming and medicine. 1960 3 billion vs. 2000 6 billion (?)1960 3 billion vs. 2000 6 billion (?) What is Earth’s carrying capacity for the What is Earth’s carrying capacity for the

human population? human population?

Agriculturebegins

Plowingand irrigation

Bubonicplague

IndustrialRevolutionbegins

Human Population Growth

International Conference on International Conference on Population and Development: 1994Population and Development: 1994

160 countries met160 countries met Agreed that population growth can not Agreed that population growth can not

continue at current ratecontinue at current rate Population of any organism can not increase Population of any organism can not increase

forever. forever. Polluted land, water, and air; lack of food and Polluted land, water, and air; lack of food and

space; and widespread disease will limit space; and widespread disease will limit population sizepopulation size

Direct Harvesting

• Destruction or removal of species from their habitats

• Can lead to the extinction of species

• Ex:

Monkeys and parrots from the rain forest

Baby harbor seals (for pelts)

Elephants (tusks to make jewelry)

Saving the Saving the BiosphereBiosphere

Dr. Seuss, Dr. Seuss, The LoraxThe Lorax

As an individual, make As an individual, make a list of things that you a list of things that you can do to protect our can do to protect our environment. environment.

Reduce: (use less)Reduce: (use less)

Use a mug or glass instead of paper cups for Use a mug or glass instead of paper cups for drinksdrinks

Make double sided photocopiesMake double sided photocopies Bring your own shopping bags to grocery store Bring your own shopping bags to grocery store

ReuseReuse

Paper or plastic grocery bagsPaper or plastic grocery bags Water jugsWater jugs

RecycleRecycle PlasticPlastic Glass Glass MetalMetal PaperPaper Examples:Examples:

1. Black Asphalt in NYC contains recycled glass1. Black Asphalt in NYC contains recycled glass

2. Building materials are made to look like wood 2. Building materials are made to look like wood (actually plastic)(actually plastic)

Renewable vs. Renewable vs. NonrenewableNonrenewable

RenewableRenewable Can be replaced within a generationCan be replaced within a generation Enough is being made to replace what is being Enough is being made to replace what is being

usedused Ex:Ex:

FoodFood

WoodWood

OxygenOxygen

Nonrenewable:Nonrenewable:

Can not be replacedCan not be replaced Ex:Ex:

Coal, oil, natural gasCoal, oil, natural gasGold, silver, iron, copper, aluminumGold, silver, iron, copper, aluminum

Sand, gravel, limestoneSand, gravel, limestone

Things humans can do to improve the biosphere

• Windmills, Endangered Species Act, The Environmental Protection Agency, etc

HELP!HELP!

We are being invaded by aliens!We are being invaded by aliens!

Foreign SpeciesForeign Species

Plants or animals that are not native to an areaPlants or animals that are not native to an area Multiply very quickly because they do not Multiply very quickly because they do not

have any predators or competitorshave any predators or competitors Often cause native species to decrease in Often cause native species to decrease in

numbernumber

Zebra MusselsZebra Mussels(Russian native)(Russian native)

When? 1980’sWhen? 1980’s Where? St.Lawrence RiverWhere? St.Lawrence River Why? By accident, carried on boatWhy? By accident, carried on boat What is the problem?What is the problem?

Attach themselves to surfaces and colonizeAttach themselves to surfaces and colonizeClog piped, motors, bridgesClog piped, motors, bridgesFound in many waters of the eastern United Found in many waters of the eastern United States States

MongooseMongoose

When? 1877When? 1877 Where? Puerto RicoWhere? Puerto Rico Why? Used to control rats that were damaging Why? Used to control rats that were damaging

sugarcane cropssugarcane crops What is the problem?What is the problem?

Rats learned to avoid the mongoose. Mongoose Rats learned to avoid the mongoose. Mongoose began to eat poultry, birds, and lizards. As lizard began to eat poultry, birds, and lizards. As lizard population decreased, June beetle populations population decreased, June beetle populations increased. The also are pests of the sugarcane.increased. The also are pests of the sugarcane.

Purple Loosestrife Purple Loosestrife (European native)(European native)

When? Early 1800’sWhen? Early 1800’s Where? All of United StatesWhere? All of United States Why? Ornamental plantWhy? Ornamental plant What is the problem?What is the problem?

It has invaded the wetlands of all 48 states.It has invaded the wetlands of all 48 states. It has crowded out 44 native plants and endangered It has crowded out 44 native plants and endangered

the wildlife that depends on these plants.the wildlife that depends on these plants. Approximately $45 million is spent a year trying to Approximately $45 million is spent a year trying to

control it.control it.

The English SparrowThe English Sparrow

When? 1853When? 1853 Where? United StatesWhere? United States Why? Control canker worms (garden pests)Why? Control canker worms (garden pests) What is the problem?What is the problem?

Ate crops instead.Ate crops instead. Displaces native birds and harasses others.Displaces native birds and harasses others. Carries 29 diseases that affect both humans and Carries 29 diseases that affect both humans and

domestic animals.domestic animals. Canker worms are still garden pests!Canker worms are still garden pests!