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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!
