CK12 Life Science

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1
Table 23.1: (continued)

Level Definition
ecosystem a natural unit composed of all the living
forms in an area, functioning together with
all the abiotic components of the environ-
ment
biosphere the portion of the planet occupied by living
matter

Ecologists study ecosystems at every level. They can ask different types of questions at each
level. Examples of these questions are given inTable(23.2) , using zebras as an example.


Table 23.2: Ecological Ecosystems

Level Question
Individual How do zebras regulate internal water bal-
ance?
Population What factors control zebra populations?
Community How does a disturbance influence the num-
ber of mammal species in African grass-
lands?
Ecosystem How does fire affect nutrient availability in
grassland ecosystems?
Biosphere What role does concentration of atmo-
sphericcarbondioxideplayintheregulation
of global temperature?

Lesson Summary



  • Ecology is the scientific study of how living organisms interact with each other and
    with their environment.

  • The study of ecology can be broken down into subdisciplines and can be studied using
    various methods.

  • The organism’s environment includes abiotic and biotic factors.

  • Levels of organization in ecology include the population, community, ecosystem and
    biosphere.

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