4: Ecosystems
ECOLOGY
Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one
another and to their physical surroundings. Understanding ecosystems requires
having an understanding of ecology.
REMEMBER
“Intra” means within. “Inter” means between.Biological Populations and Communities
Organisms that resemble each other, that are similar in genetic makeup,
chemistry, and behavior, and that are able to interbreed and produce fertile
offspring belong to the same species. Organisms of the same species
(intraspecific) that interact with each other and occupy a specific area form a
population. Populations of different species (interspecific) living and interacting
within an area create communities. A community is made up of all the
populations of different species that live together within a particular area. An
ecosystem is a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms
with their physical environment. Organisms make up populations that make up
communities that make up ecosystems that make up the biosphere: organisms →
species → populations → communities → ecosystems → biosphere
Population Dispersal Patterns
Members of a population can be dispersed in an area in three ways:
- CLUMPED. Some areas within the habitat are dense with organisms, while
other areas contain few members. This type of distribution is found in
environments that are characterized by patchy resources. Clumped
distribution is the most common type of dispersion found in nature because
animals need certain resources to survive, and when these resources become