2010 ECOLOGY 2010 ECOLOGY (B&C)(B&C)

KAREN LANCOURKAREN LANCOUR

National Bio Rules National Bio Rules Committee ChairmanCommittee Chairman

karenlancour@charter.net

EVENT COMPONENTS Ecology Content – 2009Ecology Content – 2009

Principles of Ecology (about 50 %) Grasslands and Taiga of North

America (about 50%) Process skillsProcess skills in data, graph and

diagram analysis Event parameters – Event parameters – check the event check the event

parameters in the rules for resources parameters in the rules for resources allowed.allowed.

TRAINING MATERIALS

Training HandoutTraining Handout – content– content Event Supervisor GuideEvent Supervisor Guide – sample – sample

stations, process skills, methodsstations, process skills, methods Internet ResourceInternet Resource – links to on-line– links to on-line

courses, lab manuals, notes, sitescourses, lab manuals, notes, sites Sample TournamentsSample Tournaments – sample – sample

stations with keystations with key

Section I: General Principles of Ecology

ECOLOGYECOLOGY – how organisms interact with one another and with their environment

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT – living and non-living components • ABIOTICABIOTIC – non-living component or – non-living component or

physical factors as soil, rainfall, physical factors as soil, rainfall, sunlight, temperaturessunlight, temperatures

• BIOTICBIOTIC – living component are other – living component are other organismsorganisms.

ECOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

INDIVIDUALINDIVIDUAL – individual organisms POPULATIONPOPULATION – organisms of same

species in same area (biotic factors) COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY – several populations in

same area (biotic factors) ECOSYSTEMECOSYSTEM – community plus

abiotic factors BIOSPHEREBIOSPHERE – all ecosystems on

earth

ECOLOGY OF INDIVIDUALS

Homeostasis Homeostasis – delicate balance– delicate balance Components Components

Physiological Ecology Physiological Ecology Temperature and Water BalanceTemperature and Water Balance Light and Biological CyclesLight and Biological Cycles Physiological Ecology and Physiological Ecology and

ConservationConservation

ECOLOGY OF POPULATIONS

Properties of populationsProperties of populations Patterns of distribution and densityPatterns of distribution and density Intraspecific competitionIntraspecific competition Population dynamicsPopulation dynamics Growth and regulationGrowth and regulation Altering population growthAltering population growth Human impactHuman impact

Growth Curves

Human Population

Survival Curves SurvivorshipSurvivorship is the percentage is the percentage

of remaining survivors of a of remaining survivors of a population over time; usually population over time; usually shown graphicallyshown graphically. .         Type I survivorship curveType I survivorship curve: : most individuals live out their most individuals live out their life span and die of old age life span and die of old age (e.g., humans). (e.g., humans).         Type II survivorship curveType II survivorship curve: : individuals die at a constant individuals die at a constant rate (e.g., birds, rodents, and rate (e.g., birds, rodents, and perennial plants). perennial plants).           Type III survivorship curveType III survivorship curve: : most individuals die early in most individuals die early in life life (e.g., fishes, (e.g., fishes, invertebrates, invertebrates, and plants). and plants).

ECOLOGY OF COMMUNITIES

Closed vs. Open communitiesClosed vs. Open communities Closed – Closed – sharp boundariessharp boundaries Open – Open – Lack boundariesLack boundaries

Species abundance and diversitySpecies abundance and diversity Trophic Structure of CommunitiesTrophic Structure of Communities

Food chainsFood chains Food webFood web Trophic pyramidTrophic pyramid

INTERACTIONS AMONG SPECIES

InteractionsInteractions Interspecific competitionInterspecific competition PredationPredation ExploitationExploitation SymbiosisSymbiosis

Types of Species Interactions

NeutralNeutral – two species do not interact – two species do not interact MutualismMutualism – both benefit – both benefit CommensalismCommensalism – one benefits, other – one benefits, other

neutral neutral ParasitismParasitism – one benefits, one – one benefits, one

harmedharmed

but not killed but not killed PredationPredation – one benefits, other killed – one benefits, other killed

Predator - Prey Relationship

Food Chain rose plantrose plant aphidsaphids beetlebeetle chameleonchameleon

hawkhawk

Producer 1st order Consumer or Herbivore 2nd order Consumer or 1st order Carnivore 3rd order Consumer or 2nd order Carnivore 4th order Consumer or 3rd order Carnivore Decomposers – consume dead and

decaying matter

Food Web

ECOLOGY OF ECOSYSTEMS

Energy Flow Energy Flow Energy Flow PyramidsEnergy Flow Pyramids Bio-mass PyramidsBio-mass Pyramids

Community Succession and Community Succession and StabilityStability

Nutrient Recycling Nutrient Recycling – nutrient – nutrient cycles cycles

Energy vs Nutrient Nutrients –

cyclic

(Biogeochemical Cycles)

Energy flow – one way

Ecologic Pyramids

Ecological pyramidEcological pyramid - - a graph representing a graph representing trophic level numbers within an ecosystem. trophic level numbers within an ecosystem. The primary producer level is at the base of The primary producer level is at the base of the pyramid with the consumer levels above. the pyramid with the consumer levels above.

Numbers pyramidNumbers pyramid - - compares the number of compares the number of individuals in each trophic levelindividuals in each trophic level. .

Biomass pyramidBiomass pyramid - - compares the total dry compares the total dry weight of the organisms in each trophic level.weight of the organisms in each trophic level.

Energy pyramidEnergy pyramid - - compares the total amount compares the total amount of energy available in each trophic level. This of energy available in each trophic level. This energy is usually measured in kilocaloriesenergy is usually measured in kilocalories. .

Numbers Pyramid

Biomass & Energy Flow Pyramids

Biogeochemical Cycles Hydrologic CycleHydrologic Cycle Phosphorus CyclePhosphorus Cycle

Nitrogen CycleNitrogen Cycle

Carbon CycleCarbon Cycle

Hydrologic (Water) Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle

Carbon Cycle

Biosphere Types of Ecological SpheresTypes of Ecological Spheres

BiosphereBiosphere LithosphereLithosphere HydrosphereHydrosphere AtmosphereAtmosphere

Biogeochemical Cycles Biogeochemical Cycles Disruption of BiosphereDisruption of Biosphere Specie Extinction & Biosphere Specie Extinction & Biosphere

DestructionDestruction

Section II: ECOLOGY OF BIOMES

Weather and ClimateWeather and Climate Types of BiomesTypes of Biomes

Aquatic biomesAquatic biomes Terrestrial biomesTerrestrial biomes

2010 – Biomes of North America 2010 – Biomes of North America GrasslandsGrasslands Taiga (Boreal Forest or Coniferous Taiga (Boreal Forest or Coniferous

Forest)Forest)

Terrestrial Biomes – Latitude vs. Altitude

Biomes: Temperature and Climate for Terrestrial Biomes

Adaptations of Plants & Animals

Not intended to be a taxonomic Not intended to be a taxonomic event event

Emphasis on adaptations of Emphasis on adaptations of common plants and animals to common plants and animals to each biomeeach biome

Common members of food chains Common members of food chains and food webs of each biomeand food webs of each biome

Limiting factors for each biomeLimiting factors for each biome

Grasslands of North America

Grasslands – Abiotic factors

Moderate temperature with notable Moderate temperature with notable extremes: -20° F to 110° F common, and extremes: -20° F to 110° F common, and even colder temperatures in the northeven colder temperatures in the north

Precipitation is too low to support trees Precipitation is too low to support trees but too great for deserts to form but too great for deserts to form

Variable precipitation: 6-40 in (15-100 Variable precipitation: 6-40 in (15-100 cm)cm)

Scattered rain and lightening common in Scattered rain and lightening common in summer months ("convection storms") summer months ("convection storms") with more general rains and snows in with more general rains and snows in winter monthswinter months

Fire a major factor in maintaining biomeFire a major factor in maintaining biome Droughts may be severeDroughts may be severe

Grasslands – Plants Grasses are major producer with several Grasses are major producer with several

genera and species common but usually genera and species common but usually with one or two dominate with one or two dominate

Herbs and legumes (nitrogen fixing) Herbs and legumes (nitrogen fixing) among the grassesamong the grasses

Many plants possess rhizomes Many plants possess rhizomes (underground stems) and are wind (underground stems) and are wind pollinatedpollinated

Soils generally fertile, deep and rich in Soils generally fertile, deep and rich in nutrients (Bread baskets of the world)nutrients (Bread baskets of the world)

Growing season of 120-200 daysGrowing season of 120-200 days Generally flat to rolling topographyGenerally flat to rolling topography

North American Grassland (Prairie) types

Grasslands (Prairies) of North America

Tall-grass PrairieTall-grass Prairie: eastern unit – nearest to Eastern Deciduous : eastern unit – nearest to Eastern Deciduous Forests Forests

Tall grasses (3-4 ft or 1-1.5 m tall) with roots up to 6 feet deepTall grasses (3-4 ft or 1-1.5 m tall) with roots up to 6 feet deep 24-40 in (65-100 cm) precipitation annually24-40 in (65-100 cm) precipitation annually

Mid-grass PrairieMid-grass Prairie: between Tall Grass and Short Grass – gradual : between Tall Grass and Short Grass – gradual change change

Grasses to 4 ft (1.5 m) tall, mixture of sod and "bunch" Grasses to 4 ft (1.5 m) tall, mixture of sod and "bunch" grasses.grasses.

14-25 in (35-65 cm) precipitation annually14-25 in (35-65 cm) precipitation annually Short-grass PrairieShort-grass Prairie: western element, largest. Nearest to deserts of : western element, largest. Nearest to deserts of

west US west US Short grasses (less than 20 in or 50 cm tall)Short grasses (less than 20 in or 50 cm tall) About 10 in precipitation annually.About 10 in precipitation annually.

Conservation ConcernsConservation Concerns:: Majority of tall- and mid-grass prairie are now farmland.Majority of tall- and mid-grass prairie are now farmland.

Short-grass prairie is grazed, some areas are now Short-grass prairie is grazed, some areas are now overgrazedovergrazed

Grasslands (Prairie) in North America

Grassland (Prairie)Plant Adaptations

Native plants are perennials while Native plants are perennials while crop grains are annualscrop grains are annuals

Grasses have three strata – roots, Grasses have three strata – roots, growth at ground level, and taller growth at ground level, and taller foliage foliage

Half of growth may be below groundHalf of growth may be below ground Grazed taller foliage will grow backGrazed taller foliage will grow back Taller foliage above ground adapted Taller foliage above ground adapted

to withstand strong winds, fires, to withstand strong winds, fires, extreme temperature changesextreme temperature changes

Grasslands – Animal Dominated by grazing animals (deer, Dominated by grazing animals (deer,

antelope, buffalo - once common but antelope, buffalo - once common but now rarely native to the range)now rarely native to the range)

Herds (safety in numbers) Herds (safety in numbers) Burrowing small animals (colonies Burrowing small animals (colonies

as prairie dogs)as prairie dogs) Rodents and Jack Rabbits Rodents and Jack Rabbits Flight song birds – strong fliersFlight song birds – strong fliers Insects esp. grasshoppersInsects esp. grasshoppers

Grassland (Prairie) Animal adaptations

Long distance vision for predator & preyLong distance vision for predator & prey Eyes of grazing animals well above snoutEyes of grazing animals well above snout Many are built for speed – live in herds or Many are built for speed – live in herds or

coloniescolonies Small creatures can stand on haunchesSmall creatures can stand on haunches Some hop up and down or hop long distances Some hop up and down or hop long distances Camouflage colorationCamouflage coloration Underground burrowsUnderground burrows Birds – strong fliers (strong winds), flight song Birds – strong fliers (strong winds), flight song

birds to attract mates in air, nest in tall grass birds to attract mates in air, nest in tall grass

Grassland (Prairie)Environmental Concerns

Most disturbed biome – farming & Most disturbed biome – farming & domestic grazing with fencesdomestic grazing with fences

Annuals replace perennials with Annuals replace perennials with annual soil disturbance by the plowannual soil disturbance by the plow

Overgrazing problems – “dust bowl”Overgrazing problems – “dust bowl” Biodiversity disturbed – extinct & Biodiversity disturbed – extinct &

endangered speciesendangered species Fire allowed vs fire control Fire allowed vs fire control Native grasslands being Native grasslands being

reintroduced reintroduced

TAIGA OF NORTH AMERICA

2nd largest forest 2nd largest forest in the worldin the world

Ring Artic between Ring Artic between Artic and Artic and Deciduous Forest – Deciduous Forest – 50 to 60 degrees 50 to 60 degrees North Latitude North Latitude

Upper elevations of Upper elevations of MountainsMountains

Tiaga or Boreal (Evergreen) forests of North America

Taiga – Abiotic Factors Angle of incidence for incoming solar Angle of incidence for incoming solar

radiation is low and twilight lasts many radiation is low and twilight lasts many hours hours

Seasons- short, moist and moderately Seasons- short, moist and moderately warm summers & long, cold, dry winters. warm summers & long, cold, dry winters.

Temperature: -65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit Temperature: -65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit Variable precipitation: 6-40 in (15-100 cm). Variable precipitation: 6-40 in (15-100 cm). Soils – thin because they were scraped by Soils – thin because they were scraped by

glaciers and very acid because of glaciers and very acid because of decomposition of pine needles decomposition of pine needles

Absence of earth-churning invertebrates as Absence of earth-churning invertebrates as earthworms so soil is hard and compact earthworms so soil is hard and compact

Fire a major factor in maintaining biomeFire a major factor in maintaining biome

Environmental Importanceof the Taiga

Filters millions of liters of water Filters millions of liters of water Stores large amounts of carbonStores large amounts of carbon Produces oxygenProduces oxygen Rebuilds soils and restores nutrients Rebuilds soils and restores nutrients Bogs and marshes provides habitats Bogs and marshes provides habitats

for large numbers of species from fish for large numbers of species from fish to birdsto birds

Taiga - Food web

Taiga: Types of Plants Conifers are major producer Conifers are major producer Most common types – spruce, balsam fir Most common types – spruce, balsam fir

and pine and pine Others – hemlock, cedar, redwood, Others – hemlock, cedar, redwood,

junipersjunipers Latitude and altitude influences speciesLatitude and altitude influences species Berry-producing shrubs important to Berry-producing shrubs important to

birds, mammals and people birds, mammals and people Some types of fungi, lichens, and mossesSome types of fungi, lichens, and mosses

Taiga: Plant Adaptations Trees have upside down cone shape so snow Trees have upside down cone shape so snow

slides off the branches slides off the branches Branches are flexible to hold great amounts of Branches are flexible to hold great amounts of

snow and not breaksnow and not break Trees grow thin and close together to protect Trees grow thin and close together to protect

them from cold and wind them from cold and wind Needles waxy for protection from freezing Needles waxy for protection from freezing

temperatures and prevent them from drying out temperatures and prevent them from drying out Needles are present year round and deep green Needles are present year round and deep green

to absorb the maximum warmth from the sun to absorb the maximum warmth from the sun Thick bark which does not easily burn and Thick bark which does not easily burn and

protects inner layers from heat and cones protects inner layers from heat and cones protect the seedsprotect the seeds

Taiga: Types of Animals Insects – millions of insects in the summerInsects – millions of insects in the summer birds – up to 3 billion insect-eating birds breed each year birds – up to 3 billion insect-eating birds breed each year

in Taiga – over 200 speciesin Taiga – over 200 species Seed eaters like finches and sparrows as well as Seed eaters like finches and sparrows as well as

omnivorous birds as crows stay all yearomnivorous birds as crows stay all year Crossbill has specialized bill for prying open cones and Crossbill has specialized bill for prying open cones and

nuthatch can break the cones open nuthatch can break the cones open Herbivores as small mammals, snowshoe rabbits, red Herbivores as small mammals, snowshoe rabbits, red

squirrels, voles and lemmingsquirrels, voles and lemming Predators feeding on small mammals as owls, wolves, Predators feeding on small mammals as owls, wolves,

lynx, bobcats, minks, wolverines, weasels, mink, otters, lynx, bobcats, minks, wolverines, weasels, mink, otters, martens, fishers martens, fishers

Deer, elk and mooseDeer, elk and moose Largest predators as grizzlies, lynx, and mountain lions Largest predators as grizzlies, lynx, and mountain lions

will also feed on weakened or young deer, elk or moose will also feed on weakened or young deer, elk or moose

Taiga: Animal Adaptations for long cold winters and hot summers migrate south in winter (birds) migrate south in winter (birds) go into hibernation during winter go into hibernation during winter store extra fat layers on their bodies store extra fat layers on their bodies

for winter for winter change diets from season to seasonchange diets from season to season grow extra fur on the bottom of their grow extra fur on the bottom of their

feet to tread on snow easier (lynx and feet to tread on snow easier (lynx and snowshoe rabbit)snowshoe rabbit)

change fur color and coat thickness change fur color and coat thickness from season to seasonfrom season to season

live under snow in winter in snow live under snow in winter in snow tunnels (lemmings, mice, shrews, tunnels (lemmings, mice, shrews, voles)voles)

Taiga: Environmental Concerns

Pollution Clear cuttingPollution Clear cutting Illegal logging Illegal logging PoachingPoaching Forest fires – unnatural firesForest fires – unnatural fires MiningMining Drilling for oil and natural gas Drilling for oil and natural gas

disrupt the forestdisrupt the forest Global warmingGlobal warming

Taiga: Role in Earth’s Climate

It stores large quantities of carbon stored as plant It stores large quantities of carbon stored as plant material on forest floor (up to 10 feet in some areas)material on forest floor (up to 10 feet in some areas)

1 cm of plant material can hold 2.5 tons of carbon per 1 cm of plant material can hold 2.5 tons of carbon per acreacre

Taiga acts like a large refrigerator preventing fallen Taiga acts like a large refrigerator preventing fallen trees, needles and other debris from decomposing trees, needles and other debris from decomposing

Heating up the taiga is causing the following problems:Heating up the taiga is causing the following problems:Litter decomposes putting carbon into the atmosphereLitter decomposes putting carbon into the atmosphere

Increases in forest fires Increases in forest fires Infestation by bark beetles which is killing the trees Infestation by bark beetles which is killing the trees Dead trees - tinder to fuel the forest fires and adding Dead trees - tinder to fuel the forest fires and adding more more carbon dioxide into the atmospherecarbon dioxide into the atmosphere