Unit 3 - Chapter 3.1 - What is Ecology

Ecosystem

all organisms that live in a place together with their physical environment

Community

an assemblage of different populations that live together in a defined area

Biotic Factor

any living part of the environment with which an organism may interact

Abiotic Factor

any nonliving part of the environment with which an organism may interact

Biome

group of ecosystems sharing similar climates and typical organisms

Population

group of individuals belonging to the same species living in the same area

Species

group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring

What is Ecology?

-Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their physical environment. -The biological influences on organisms are called biotic factors. -Physical components of an ecosystem are called abiotic factors.--Modern ecologists use three methods in their work: observation, experimentation, and modeling. Each of these approaches relies on scientific methodology to guide inquiry

What are biotic and abiotic factors?

-The biological influences on organisms are called biotic factors. -Physical components of an ecosystem are called abiotic factors.

Levels of Organization

1. Species 2. Population 3. Community 4. Ecosystem 5. Biome 6. Biosphere

What is ecology??

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their physical environment.

What methods are used in ecological studies?

Regardless of their tools, modern ecologists use three methods in their work: observation, experimentation, and modeling. Each of these approaches relies on scientific methodology to guide inquiry.

Biosphere

consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the world in which life exists

Ecology

the study of organisms interactions in their environment