Ecology

Definition

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment. It examines how these interactions influence the distribution and abundance of organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1. Ecology can be divided into several levels of organization, including organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.
2. 2. Ecologists use models and experiments to understand complex ecological processes.
3. 3. Biotic factors (living components) and abiotic factors (non-living components) both play crucial roles in shaping ecosystems.
4. 4. Energy flow through an ecosystem follows a unidirectional path from primary producers to various consumers.
5. 5. Human activities can significantly impact ecological balance, leading to issues like habitat destruction and climate change.

Review Questions

• 1. What are the different levels of organization in ecology?
• 2. How do biotic and abiotic factors interact within an ecosystem?
• 3. Why is the concept of energy flow important in understanding ecosystems?

Related terms

Population Ecology: The study of populations in relation to their environment, including density, distribution, age structure, and population size

Community Ecology: The study of how interactions between species affect community structure and organization

Ecosystem: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment