Biology Chapter 52: Intro. to Ecology

Scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment * determines evolution

Concerned with how an organism's structure, physiology and behavior meet the challenges posed by its environment

Analyzes factors that affect population size and how and why it changes through time

Examines how interactions between species affect community structure and organization (predation, competition, etc.)

Emphasizes energy flow and chemical cycling between organisms the environment

Focuses on the factors controlling exchanges of energy, materials and organisms across multiple ecosystems

Examines how the regional exchange of energy and materials influenced the functioning and distribution of organisms across the biosphere

Where and why species occur

1. biotic (living)2. abiotic (nonliving) temp, light, water

The movement of individuals away from their area of origin, or from centers of high population density

Organisms reach an area they did not previously exist

- intentional or accidental- success off transplant depends on survival and reproduction- potential range is often larger than actual range- often disrupts established ecosystems and communities

A group of populations of different species in an area

Community of organisms in an area and the physical factors with which organisms interact

Individuals will seem to avoid certain habitats even when they are suitable