Introduction to Ecology What is Ecology?

Introduction to Ecology Ecology is……

The study of interactions…between living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components….in ecosystems!

Introduction to Ecology Some definitions:

FOOD CHAIN:

A diagram showing the movement of energy between biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Introduction to EcologySome examples of FOOD CHAINS:

Introduction to Ecology PRODUCER:

An organism that makes it’s own food from sunlight or heat (usually a plant)

Introduction to Ecology CONSUMER:

An organism that must consume other organisms for energy (all animals are consumers)

Introduction to Ecology HERBIVORE:

An organism that consumes only plants for food (deer, mice, grasshopper, gorilla)

Introduction to Ecology CARNIVORE:

An organism that consumes only other animals for food (cats, owls, sharks, polar bear)

Introduction to Ecology DECOMPOSER:

An organism that consumes only dead organisms for food (bacteria, worms, fungus, vultures)

Introduction to Ecology NUTRIENT:

A material that an organism needs to grow and reproduce. Good examples are vitamins and minerals.

Introduction to Ecology OMNIVORE:

An organism that can eat either plants or animals for energy (humans, raccoons, black bears, chimpanzees)

Introduction to Ecology HABITAT:

The area in which an organism lives, including the space, water and food available, vegetation and soil types

Use the definitions from your worksheet to labellabel the following ecosystem:

abiotic

abiotic

biotic

carnivore

omnivore

herbivore

producer

producerconsumer

HABITAT