Ecology

Mr. Gayle
 Ecology

This is the study of the relationship of organisms with each

other and their environment.
All the external conditions in which an organism lives
constitute its environment.
All environment has 2 major factors.
Look around and classify the things in your immediate
environment into two groups
Biotic & Abiotic
Environmental factors may include two kinds;
● Biotic (Living Things)
● Abiotic or Physical factors (Non- Living things)
Hence what are some examples of both?
 Biotic Factors
A biotic factor is a living organism that shapes its environment.
In a freshwater ecosystem, examples might include;
● Aquatic plants
● Fish
● Amphibians
● Algae
● Predation
● Zooplankton
Biotic Factors

Biotic factors result from the activities of living organisms in

an environment, Factors such as; Predation, Symbiosis,
Competition and disease all involve the living elements of the
environment.
Abiotic factors
An abiotic factor is a non-living part of an ecosystem that shapes its
environment.
How could the availability of water in
an ecosystem affect the environment?
Look at the images, and identify a common theme
Simbiosis
Any kind of relationship or interaction between two dissimilar
organisms, where at least one organism is benefited.

Identify the key parts of the definition above

 There are 3 main types of symbiosis
With the help of a partner can you use the image, name and definition
from the previous slide to define the types of symbiosis

Parasitism Mutualism
Commensalism
Symbiosis
Symbiosis - Any kind of relationship or interaction between two
dissimilar organisms, where at least one organism is benefited.
Mutualism
Relationship between organisms of different species, in which both
organisms benefit from the association.
E.g- Digestive bacteria and humans

Sea anemones and Clownfish Spider crab and Algae Humans and Plants
 commensalism

relationship between organisms where one organism benefits from the

association while not harming the other.
E.g
Sharks And Remora Fish
The remora or suckerfish is a small fish that grows to about three feet. It is a member of the ray-finned fish. The
remora forms a commensal relationship with large sea organisms, especially sharks, turtles, and whales. Its specially-
designed suckers attach to the fins of the host animals and thus benefit for transportation and protection from
predators. It also feeds on the leftover of sharks. The small size of the remora makes it less intrusive, and the shark
barely feels its presence.

Tree Frogs using plants as protection

Cattle Egret, Eats insects disturbed by cattles/ cows

parasitism
Parasitism is a symbiosis in which one organism, the parasite,
causes harm to another, the host
E.g
Love bush on trees
Tick on human skin
Leeches on animals
Take a look
 Abiotic Factors
Climatic factors such as ; Light, Temperature, rainfall, wind and availability
of water.
Edaphic Factors (Associated with the soil) such as PH, Texture, temperature,
organic and mineral content.
Aquatic Factors: Wave action, dissolved oxygen & Salinity (Concentration of
salt)
Topographic factors: Features of the earth’s surface such as the angle of a
slope.
 Terms, cont.
Community- (Community, also called biological community, in biology, an
interacting group of various species in a common location.)
Ecosystem - (An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and
other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a
bubble of life. Ecosystems contain biotic or living, parts, as well as abiotic
factors, or nonliving parts. Biotic factors include plants, animals, and other
organisms.)
Predation - (Predation is a biological interaction where one organism, the
predator, kills and eats another organism, its prey.)
Terms
Habitat- (Habitat, place where an organism or a community of
organisms lives, including all living and nonliving factors or
conditions of the surrounding environment.)
Niche - (The term “niche” describes the role an organism plays in a
community.)
Population - (A group of organisms of one species that interbreed
and live in the same place at the same time)
Hints
Symbiosis - (Any kind of relationship or interaction between two
dissimilar organisms, where at least one organism is benefited)
Species - (A group of living organisms consisting of similar
individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. )
 Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlnFylwdYH4
Symbiosis
Watch the following video keenly.

Be prepared to answer upcoming questions.

Link;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWAA75k-UWI&t=1s
Question.
1. What is symbiosis (Your own words)
2. Name of organisms involved in a symbiotic relationship
3. Types of symbiosis are
4. Describe and give an example of each
Activity
Research other examples of.

Mutualisms

Commensalism

Parasitism