Lecture 1: Intro to Ecology

define ecology

The scientific study of the relationship between organisms and the environment. includes abiotic and biotic components of environment.

what is the hierarchy for ecological systems? from smallest to largest. define each one

Organism: prairie dog

1.  What behaviors of organisms living in the desert help them survive hot and sry conditions?

Populations: prairie dogs 

1. Is the abundance of manatees in florida increasing or decreasing?

Communities: prairie dogs and other populations interacting with them (Ex. predators like owls) 

1. How does the presence of wolves influence the population of elk and aspen> 

Ecosystems: prairie dogs, animals in the area, and weather (seasonal weather) in specific area

1. How non-deforestation part of amazon rainforest interacts with the deforestation part 

 Biosphere: global system  (ocean, atmosphere, etc)

1. How much will sea level rise in florida is Thwaites glacier melts 

what are the 3 types of biodiversity

1. Species 

2. Genetic 

3. Ecosystem

what is shifting baseline syndrome

A gradual change in accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment due to a lack of experience, memory, or knowledge of its past conditions. 

Physical environment degrades continuously, but the physical perception of degradation remains at zero.