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Exploring Ecology: Interactions in Earth's Spheres

Delve into the study of ecology, the interactions between organisms and their environment in the biosphere. Learn about habitats, niches, and ecological organization, from organisms to ecosystems. Discover the influence of natural and human factors on habitats and species interactions, such as predator-prey relationships and symbiotic connections. Explore examples of competition, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism, and understand how different species coexist and compete for resources. Unravel the complexity of Earth's spheres and the intricate web of life within them.

adrienne-roderick
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Exploring Ecology: Interactions in Earth's Spheres

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  1. What is Ecology? • Interactions between organisms & environment • Interdisciplinary: chemistry, physics, geology, math Statistical model of roads built in tropical rainforest by the year 2060

  2. Where does life exist? • Geologic regions • Atmosphere – layer of gases • Lithosphere – land partof Earth (rock, soil, sand) • Hydrosphere – all Earth’s water

  3. Biosphere • All the spheres • Portion of Earth that supports life How much of the Earth do you think this region takes up?

  4. 2 types of factors influence organism’s environment • Abiotic – nonliving elements (rain, wind, soil, temperature) • Biotic – living factors

  5. Ecological Organization

  6. Organism – has all characteristics of life • Population – group of organisms living together at same time; reproduce

  7. Community – several populations in same area at same time • Ecosystem – interactions between populations in a community & abioticelements in their surroundings • Habitats • Niches • Species interactions

  8. Niche & Habitat • Habitat –where organism lives out its life • Includes abiotic & biotic factors • Not static • Niche – organism’s role & location in its environment to meet unique needs • How organism: • Obtains food • Finds shelter • Reproduces • Reduces competition

  9. Influences on Ecosystems Can you think of any examples of things that might influence a habitat? • Natural & human causes

  10. Examples Natural Disasters: a) Hurricane Katrina, 2005 Before After

  11. b) Volcanic Eruptions: Mount St. Helens, Washington State May, 1980 Before After

  12. c) Weather patterns: Regular & extreme weather conditions

  13. Predator-prey Relationships • One organism seeksanother for food • Maintains balance • Prey species may benefit(↓ competition, ↑ food) • Predator Strategies • Ambush • Camouflage

  14. Prey Strategies • 1. Defense • Quick escape • Predatordetection Nebraskan cockroach Meerkat keeping watch

  15. Protective shells, bark, spines • Camouflage Red-eared slider Porcupine Stick bug

  16. 2. Chemical warfare – poisons, odors, irritants, unpleasant taste **Organisms using this strategy often have bright, warning colors 3. Behavior – mimicry, group size Skunk Monarch Viceroy

  17. Symbiotic Relationships(close association) 3 types: 1. Parasitism – feeds on and lives on/in host; ( +, - ) White-tailed deer - host Deer tick - parasite

  18. 2. Mutualism – ( +, + ) • Pollination • Food supply • Protection Clownfish and Sea Anemone Rhinoceros and Horn-billed Puffin/Rhinoceros Auklet

  19. 3. Commensalism –( +, o ) Grey whale and Barnacles

  20. Competition

  21. Intraspecific – between members of same species • Fight for same resources • Habitat • Nutrients • Water • Soil • Abundant resources = sharing

  22. Example: Blue satin bower bird

  23. Number of individuals Species 1 Species 2 Region of niche overlap Resource use Number of individuals Species 1 Species 2 Resource use • Interspecific –between members of different species

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