INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY BIOLOGY CHAPTER 3-1 UNIT CH 3 THROUGH CH 6.

INTR

ODUCTION T

O

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY CHAPTER 3-1

UNIT CH 3 THROUGH CH 6

ECOLOGY

The scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment.

ORGANISM

A living creature (Bufo americanus)

POPULATIONA group of organisms that live

together same species: geese (Branta canadensis)

COMMUNITYGroups of PopulationsDifferent species living togetherZebra, lions, elephants

ECOSYSTEM

Self sustaining collection of organisms Biotic factors: Living components Abiotic factors: Nonliving components

HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMSDiversityMore diverse = More Stable the environment

Every animal has a specific role (Niche)

UNHEALTHY ECOSYSTEMSLittle or no

diversityEcosystem is more susceptible to diseases

No organisms left to use or appreciate

HOW DO WE GET DIFFERENT ECOSYSTEMS?Sun provides energy to Earth Equator: direct sunlight Poles: low angle of sunlight

HOW DO WE GET DIFFERENT ECOSYSTEMS?Tilt of the Earth creates seasons

BIOMES

Broad geographic regions Characterized by climate & major vegetation Aquatic Biomes: 75% of Earth Terrestrial Biomes: 25% of Earth

TROPICAL RAINFOREST

Equatorial regions

200-400 cm rain/year

25-29° C

Species diversity extremely high

DESERT

Near 30° N and S latitude

Less than 30° cm rain/year

Wide fluctuations in temperature

Many species nocturnal

SAVANNA

Equatorial regions

Rainfall is seasonal

24-29° C

Primarily grassland

CHAPPARAL

Mid-latitude coasts

Rainfall is seasonal

Moderate year round weather

High diversity of amphibians

TEMPERATE GRASSLAND

Central North America

30-70cm rain/year (droughts common)

Cold winters, Hot summers

Historical IL Biome

CONIFEROUS FOREST

Taiga

Northern hemisphere

30-70cm rain/year

Cold long winters

Short warm summers

Cone-bearing trees

TEMPERATE BROADLEAF FOREST

Deciduous Forest

Mid-latitudes of Northern Hemisphere

70-200cm rain/year

Average winters, hot humid summers

TUNDRA

Northern hemisphere

60cm precipitation/year

Winters are long cold, summers short cool

20% of terrestrial surface