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Ecology is the branch of biology that investigates the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Biosphere (Ecosphere): The layer of Earth where life exists.
Biome: A community of plants and animals adapted to a specific climate (e.g., forest biome, aquatic biomes).
Ecosystem: A biological community of interactions among organisms and their physical environment (e.g., tropical forest ecosystem, desert ecosystem). All ecosystems combine to form the biosphere.
Community: A group of populations of two or more different species in the same geographic area and time (e.g., Nile River community of bacteria, fish, frogs, and plants).
Population: All individuals of the same species within an ecological community (e.g., sardines in the Black Sea).

Ecosystems rely on the interactions between both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.

Definition: Non-living components that shape an ecosystem, influencing what types of organisms can survive.
Examples:
- Air: Essential for respiration.
- Water: Vital for all life; freshwater is a limiting factor.
- Soil and Minerals: Provide nutrients for plants, which anchor their roots in soil.
- Temperature: Most organisms need stable temperatures; extreme changes can be harmful.
- Light: The sun is the main energy source; the intensity affecting biodiversity.
- pH and Salinity: Affect organism survival in different aquatic environments.

Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants, algae). They convert inorganic substances into organic food via photosynthesis. Types:
- Photoautotrophs: Use light energy.
- Chemoautotrophs: Use chemical energy.
Consumers (Heterotrophs): Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
- Types of consumers based on diet:
  - Herbivores: Plant-eaters (e.g., rabbits, sheep).
  - Carnivores: Meat-eaters (e.g., lions, owls).
  - Omnivores: Eat both plants and meat (e.g., humans, bears).
Decomposers: Break down dead organic material and waste, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem (e.g., bacteria, fungi).

Nutrient and Energy Balance: Managed by producers, consumers, and decomposers. Energy originates from the sun.
Energy Transfer: Occurs through feeding relationships:
- Primary producers undergo photosynthesis.
- Herbivores are primary consumers feeding on plants.
- Carnivores can be secondary or tertiary consumers, feeding on other consumers.
Food Chain Example:
- Maize (Producer) → Locust (Primary Consumer) → Lizard (Secondary Consumer) → Snake (Tertiary Consumer).

Definition: Graphical representation showcasing relationships and energy flow between organisms at different trophic levels.
Characteristics:
- Biomass and energy decrease at higher trophic levels.
- Energy transfer efficiency about 10%; highlighted as the 10% rule.

Definition: Pathways that allow substances to move between biotic and abiotic components of the Earth.
- Major cycles: Nitrogen, Carbon, Water.

Nitrogen is essential for protein and DNA synthesis but must be converted to usable forms (e.g., nitrates) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Carbon is cycled through photosynthesis and respiration, influencing the energy dynamics and ecosystems.

Describes the movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation driven by solar energy.

Caused by the enhanced greenhouse effect; results from the accumulation of greenhouse gases due to human actions (e.g., fossil fuel burning, deforestation).
- Effects: Rising sea levels, habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, air quality issues, and increased migration and health problems.

Defined as the introduction of harmful contaminants into the environment:
- Types:
  - Air Pollution: Chemical altercations in the atmosphere, leading to respiratory illnesses.
  - Water Pollution: Contaminants affecting aquatic ecosystems.
  - Noise Pollution: Excessive sounds disrupting wildlife and human life.
Prevention Strategies: Utilization of public transport, tree planting, renewable energy, industrial regulations, and reducing emissions.