Introduction to ecology

Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Evolution

The process leading to the diversity of life on Earth, influenced by changing ecological contexts.

Organismal ecology

Focuses on adaptations increasing fitness in a given environment.

Population ecology

Examines changes in number and distribution of individuals over time.

Community ecology

Studies interactions between species and their consequences.

Ecosystem ecology

Analyzes relationships between living and non-living factors in an environment.

Global ecology

Explores interactions of the biosphere with the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Conservation Biology

Applied ecology aiming to restore genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Niche

The range of conditions and resources an organism uses in its environment.

Biotic factors

Living factors in an ecosystem.

Abiotic factors

Non-living factors in an ecosystem.

Sunlight

Essential abiotic factor influencing ecosystems.

Temperature

A key abiotic factor affecting organisms and ecosystems.

Precipitation

Water in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Biomes

Regions characterized by distinct abiotic features and dominant vegetation types.

Arctic tundra

Cold biome with low precipitation and permafrost.

Temperate forest

Biome with distinct seasons and fertile soil.

Desert and Dry Shrubland

Biome with extreme temperatures and low rainfall.

Tropical Rainforest

Biome with high rainfall and year-round growing conditions.

Aquatic Biomes

Water-based ecosystems covering 70% of Earth's surface.

Behavioral Ecology

Focuses on behavioral adaptations resulting from ecological selection pressures.

Foraging behavior

The behavior related to searching for, obtaining, and consuming food.

Mate Choice

The selection of a mate based on various factors.

Migration

Long-distance movement associated with seasonal changes.

Cooperation

Behavioral interactions that benefit individuals or groups.

Population Ecology

Study of factors determining size, distribution, and abundance of populations.

Demography

Study of factors influencing population size and structure.

Survivorship

Proportion of offspring that survive to a certain age.

Life history

Allocation of resources to growth, reproduction, and survival in an organism.

Population Growth

Change in population size over time influenced by births, deaths, immigration, and emigration.

Mutualism

A species interaction where both organisms benefit, such as flowering plants and pollinators.

Species Richness

The number of different species present in a community.

Food Webs

Summarize the complex network of feeding interactions in an ecosystem.

Keystone Species

An organism that has a large impact on its environment despite its low abundance, like beavers causing changes in habitats.

Succession

The process of recovery and change in a community after a disturbance, with primary and secondary types.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms at different levels, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Endangered Species

Species at high risk of extinction, categorized from critically endangered to least concern.

Provisioning

Ecosystem services providing raw materials like food, fuel, and medicines.

Conservation Biology

Focuses on studying, preserving, and restoring biodiversity to protect ecosystems and species.

Wildlife Corridors

Undeveloped habitat connecting preserved areas to facilitate species movement and genetic diversity.