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An Introduction to Ecology
The Distribution and Adaptations of Organisms
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Introduction to Ecology
Ecology is the study of organisms and their interactions with their environment.
The environment includes 2 types of factors: Biotic factors – the living parts of the environment
Plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, protists Abiotic factors – the nonliving parts of the environment
Water, oxygen, light, temperature, etc.
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Levels of Organization Ecologists can look at the world in levels of increasing
complexity: Population – a group of organisms of the same species that live
together in a certain area Example:
Community – a group of organisms of different species that live together in a certain area Example:
Ecosystem – all the living and nonliving things in a certain area Example:
Biome – a group of ecosystems that have similar climates and communities Example:
Biosphere – the entire portion of the planet that supports life
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The Importance of Abiotic Factors
Not every organism can live everywhere on Earth Abiotic factors determine which organisms can
survive where: Temperature – effect on body temperature Water – too much/not enough water Light – availability for photosynthetic organisms Wind – amplifies effects of temperature Rocks/Soil – which organisms can live with/on them, based
on pH and mineral composition Periodic Disturbances – catastrophes, such as tornadoes,
fires, tsunamis, etc.
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Homeostasis Organisms must maintain homeostasis, a steady-
state internal environment, despite changes in the external environment
Organisms respond to abiotic factors in one of two ways:1. Regulators maintain a nearly constant internal environment, despite external conditions2. Conformers allow their internal environment to vary
- occurs in organisms whose environments remain relatively stable
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The Principle of Allocation
This principle states: Each organism has a limited amount of energy
that can be spent on obtaining food, escaping from predators, coping with environmental fluctuations (maintaining homeostasis), growth, and reproduction
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Adapting to Changing Conditions
Organisms can respond to their changing environments using 3 different types of responses:
1. Physiological Responses
- changing the functioning of the body
- acclimation
- athletes in Torino, moving to Denver...
2. Morphological Responses
- changing the anatomy of the body
- example: dogs growing thicker fur
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3. Behavioral Responses
- changing behavior to adapt to the change
- moving to a more favorable location
- cooperative behavior (huddling, etc.)
Adapting to Changing Conditions
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Biomes
Aquatic Terrestrial