Introduction to Ecology

Ecology

The study of how organisms interact with each other and non-living components of their environment.

Abiotic factors

Non-living components affecting the environment, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and nutrients.

Biotic factors

Living components that influence the distribution and abundance of a species, including prey availability and interactions with other species.

Dispersal capacity

The ability of a species to spread from its origin to new areas.

Geographic distribution

The area where a species is found on Earth.

Species diversity

The variety of different species within a given ecosystem.

Tropical wet forest

A biome characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and high species diversity.

Arctic tundra

A biome characterized by low temperatures, low sunlight, and low species diversity due to harsh conditions.

Anthropic biomes (anthromes)

Ecosystems that have been created or significantly altered by human activities.

Littoral zone

The shallow water area of a lake or ocean where sunlight can reach the bottom, leading to high biological production.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms and their non-living environment interacting as a system.

Human impacts on biomes

Changes resulting from human activities that affect biodiversity and ecosystem health, often leading to reduced species diversity.