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EcologyThe study of the relationship between

organisms and their environment

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Environmental FactorsBiotic: are living or were once livingAbiotic: never living

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Biotic or Abiotic?

Symbiotic RelationshipsCommensalism: One

species benefits, one is unharmed

Mutualism: both species benefit

Parasitism: one species benefits, one is harmed or diesParasite feeds on hostHost: where Parasite lives

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Examples of Symbiotic Relationships

Example 1:A bird builds its nest in a tree. The tree offers protection and support for the nest. The nest causes no harm to the tree.

Example 2: A mosquito bites you. The mosquito gets nutrients from you. Your mosquito bite itches.

Examples of Symbiotic Relationships

Example 3: A harmless bacteria lives in human intestine. The bacteria produces vitamin B-12 for the human. The human provides and place to live and food to eat.

Example 4:Max, a Rottweiler, is infested with fleas. The fleas feed on Max. This makes Max sad.

Examples of Symbiotic Relationships

Mutualism Mutualism

Commensalism

Parasitism

CommensalismAll images are a part of the Creative Commons license of free use

Examples of Symbiotic Relationships

Mutualism Parasitism

ParasitismCommensalism

Mutualism

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ProducerPerforms photosynthesis

6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → 6O2 + C6H12O6 Sun is the source of all energyExample: Phytoplankton (drifting producer)

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ConsumerPerforms respiration

6O2 + C6H12O6 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energyExample: Zooplankton (drifting consumer)

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Types of Consumers• Carnivore: eats only meat• Herbivore: eats only plants• Omnivore: eats both plants and meat

Predator – hunts prey [ is a Carnivore]Prey – hunted for food [is an Herbivore or

Carnivore]

NOTE: Vegetarians are omnivores, not herbivores. (Vegetarians choose to not eat meat, herbivores cannot digest meat)

Examples of ConsumersPredator: hunts prey

Scavenger: feeds on already dead animals

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DecomposerBreaks down dead organismsBacteria and Fungi

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Food ChainA series of

producers and consumers – step by step up the food pyramid

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Food WebNumerous

inter-connected food chains in a biome

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