ECOLOGY

Presented by:
Ms. Josephine M. Magay
Ecology- deals with the interaction of organisms to
their environment, which includes both the physical
and biological factors.

•It considers the environment as one system with an

organized or systematic means of maintaining or regulating
its processes, hence, the biology of the environment.
•Both the physical and biological factors in the
environment affect each other greatly.
Physical Factors in the Environment

The physical factors in the environment play a great role in maintaining

the ecosystem. The diversity and distribution of organisms in the ecosystems
is greatly affected by its physical factors.

1. Temperature. Various metabolic activities of organisms,

such as respiration, are affected by temperature.
- This is because most biological molecules have different
activities at different temperature.
- Organisms tend have different tolerance to temperature
variation. Those that live in the areas with changing
temperature tend to be inhibited by constant temperature.
2. Light.
The primary source of energy in the ecosystem is the light coming
from the sun. Through photosynthesis, this light energy is converted into
chemical energy that is passed on to different members of the ecosystem.
Behavior of many organisms is also affected by light, especially in plants.
Seasonal events such as re-sprouting, flowering or bearing fruits are mostly
signalled by photoperiod.

3. Water.
The properties of water, like high heat of vaporization, high specific
heat capacity, make it essential in maintaining life processes. Water is
integral in osmoregulation and thermoregulation in organisms. It is also an
important medium of transport and chemical reactions. The availability of
water varies depending on the habitat, and various adaptations in
organisms are observed due to this variation.
4. Wind.
The effect of temperature in organisms may be lessened
due to wind. Evaporation, transpiration and convection are
affected by wind and heat loss in organisms may be increased
because of this factor. Humidity is hence affected by wind. The
atmospheric condition, in general, is affected by wind. The
direction of the wind also affects the water current, hence the
distribution of nutrients and organisms are also affected. In
plants, strong winds may impart a “flagged appearance” as they
tend to sway along with the wind.
5. Atmospheric gases.
The atmosphere serve as a reservoir for many materials necessary
for most organisms. The distribution of these materials like carbon dioxide
and oxygen are of great importance since it does not only regulate the
activities of organisms, but rather impart a greater effect on climate.

6. Soil.
The distribution of organisms is greatly affected by soil. Particle
size, porosity, moisture and material content are basically the controlling
properties of soil. The type of soil in an ecosystem will determine the
productivity of the area as it will serve as reservoir for materials, and
shelter for terrestrial organisms. In aquatic habitats, soil is also important
especially for those attached to the substratum.
Interaction between Organisms

3 relationships that exhibits symbiotic relationship:

Mutualism. Is a relationship wherein both members are

benefited. However there are cases wherein the members of
the relationship are not completely dependent on each other.
This is the case of protocooperation

Example: mutualism – termite and trichonympha (protist

living in guts of termites)
Protocooperation – clownfish and sea anemone
Commensalism. – One member benefits from the relationship
, while the other receives no benefit or harm. Most of the
time this relationship features a sessile commensal which
depends on the motile host for transportation.

Parasitism. – is a type of relationship where one member is

benefited(parasite), while the other is harmed (host). The
parasite depends on the host for shelter and nourishment
Predation. – is a type of interspecific interaction wherein one
member, the prey, serves as food and killed by the other
member, the predator. In this relationship, the predator
instantly kills the prey and consumes it. There exists a negative
interaction since one member is harmed to benefit the other.
Not only does this type affects the individual, but also the
population as it tends to decrease the species in a population.
Competition. – is a type of interaction that imparts negative
effects on both parties. This is because the action each
indirectly affects the members. The relationship exists when
there is a scarcity in one resource that is essential to both
organisms involved. These organisms may be of the same
species, as in the case of intraspecific competition, or of
different species as for interspecific competition. Both
organisms may be harmed in this relationship as physical
injury may be posed during competition.
Niche – refers to the role or status of the organism in
the community or ecosystem; its participation in the
transfer of energy; recycling of materials, shaping
communities, etc.

Factors that affect the niche of organisms:

1. Habitat
2. Habits of organism
3. Position in the feeding structure
4. Life history of organism
5. Tolerance limits of organism
Biomes
– are communities categorized according to its dominant
vegetation and sometimes by their location on the
biosphere. They can be defined by temperature and
rainfall, as these may affect the growth of certain plants.
Major Biomes
Tundra – found in the northern polar region. Limited plants grow in
this biome, as little precipitation is received, and there exist
permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost.
Taiga – (also called boreal or coniferous forest) found in cool, elevated
areas of Northern America, Asia, and Europe. Marked by the dominance
of tall conifers with needle-like leaves. Long winter is experienced in this
biome and in summer, small amount of precipitation is received. Growing
season is also short.
Temperate deciduous forest – marked by growth of deciduous trees,
whose leaves change color together with the season, and shed in
preparation for winter. Climate here is mild, as summer remains warm
and winter is cold. Animals common to temperate regions like bears,
deers and squirrel are common in habitats in this biome.
Tropical Forest – located in the tropics (23.5o latitude of the equator)
Average temperature is 23.oC with 12-hr daylight length.

Tropical dry forest – Dry season in forest is longer, rainfall is less

common. Succulents and thorny shrubs are the most common vegetation of
this biome.

Tropical deciduous forest. Deciduous trees are common to this biome.

During the long dry season, these trees shed their leaves to conserve water.
Resprouting of leaves occurs when the rainy season starts.

Tropical rainforest. Receives the greatest amount of rainfall (greater

than 250cm/yr) of all the tropical forests. It is said to be one of the biomes
with greatest diversity.
Tropical Dry Forest
Tropical Deciduous Forest
Savannah – grasslands with growth of few shrubs and widely spaced
trees. Seasonal rainfall is experienced, which affects the activity of
animals and plants.
Grasslands – found most abundantly in the temperate regions of
America and Eurasia. This is marked by the dominance of grasses,
herbs and small flowering plants. Precipitation in grassland is just
enough to support the growth of the aforementioned plants, and
frequent fires occur.
Desert – marked by dry condition of soil and atmosphere as it receives
the least amount of precipitation of all biomes. In areas where deserts
are located, the descending dry air absorbs available moisture, thus
leaving the biomes dry.
Natural and Managed Ecosystem

Ecosystem – is a unit composed of groups of organisms belonging to

different species, interacting together within a particular unit of space.

Natural Ecosystems – are those present in the environment that receives no

human intervention.
Ex: mangrove forest, coral reefs, grassland and tropical forest
Managed Ecosystems – are artificial ecosystems; human intervention is
common.
Ex: fishponds, aquarium, gardens, artificial forest parks
Natural Disturbances on Ecosystems

•Fire.
•Strong winds
•Flood
•Erosion/Avalanche
•Volcanic Eruption