Chapter 23

From Populations to the Biosphere

23.1 Lesson 23.1: Introduction to Ecology

Lesson Objectives

• Define what ecology is.


• Explain what organisms and environments are.


• Describe how organisms can interact with their environments.


• Describe levels of organization in ecology.

Check Your Understanding

• What is adaptation?


• What is the scientific method?

Introduction

Organisms can be studied at many different levels, from biochemical and molecular, to
cells, tissues and organs, to individuals, and finally at the ecological level: populations,
communities, ecosystems and to the biosphere as a whole. Because of its focus on the higher
levels of the organization of life on earth, ecology draws heavily on many other branches of
science. Can you think of what some of these might be?