Ecology
and Ecosystem(1)
1
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lecture, students should be able to:
1. Define and explain the fundamentals of ecology.
2. Elaborate the components of a healthy ecosystem.
3. Discuss the different types of ecosystem.
Ecology
Ecology
1. Define and explain the fundamentals of ecology.
2. Elaborate the components of a healthy ecosystem.
3. Discuss the different types of ecosystem.
The big picture: Major branches of science
Study of living things
and how they depend
Biology on each other
Study of physical Study of Composition
properties and natural Physics Chemistry of substances and how
phenomena of things they interact with each
other
Study of earth, ocean Study of solar system,
Earth Space
and atmosphere stars, galaxies and
working as one system universe
Is Ecology a part of Biology?
Pharmacology
Biotechnology
Biology Applied Immunology
Microbiology
Where is Ecology? Veterinary
Agriculture
Organismal
Interactions
Plants
Animals
Microbes
Ecology
Adaptation
Forestry
Environmental Science Taxonomy
Conservation Physiology
Morphology
Genetics
Cellular biology
Molecular biology
What is Ecology?
Ecology is the study of the relationships between living
organisms (including humans) and their physical environment.
This field of study aim to understand the vital connections
between plants and animals and the world around them.
Why do I need to study ecology?
Knowledge of ecology improves our
understanding of the benefits of ecosystems
and how we can use Earth’s resources in
ways that leave the environment healthy for
us and our future generations.
What do we study in ecology?
Biosphere
Global processes
Ecosystem
Energy flow and matters
Community
Interactions among populations
of same and different species
Population
Population dynamic and
their environment
Levels of Ecology
Individual
Survival and reproduction in
relation to its habitat
What do we study in ecology?
Survival and reproduction in relation to its habitat
Organismal Ecology Example of research
Studies the morphological, physiological, and Response to cold weather, mechanism of
behavioral adaptations that let an organism survival in desert, feeding behavior, shelter
survive in a specific habitat. preferences.
Population dynamic and their environment
Population Ecology Example of research
Studies the number of individuals in an area, Distribution, numbers in particular area
as well as how and why their population size Number of males and females, birth and
(and genetics composition) changes over time. mortality
What do we study in ecology?
Interactions among populations of same and different species
Community Ecology Example of research
Studies the interactions among living organisms Number of species in a site (biodiversity),
(the biome) and how the interactions affect the competition for sunlight (plant species),
community structure and organization. number of individual per species, who eat
who, dependency among species.
Energy flow and matters
Ecosystem Ecology Example of research
Studies the interactions of organisms with the How do different organisms interact with the
abiotic elements of the area and how the abiotic change of rainfall or effects of bushfire on
changes influences the changes of organisms. the biodiversity of the area.
Global processes
Global Ecology Example of research
Studies the interactions among the Earth's Effects of global warming on earth
ecosystems, land, atmosphere and oceans. biodiversity
Why is ecology important?
For mankind For biodiversity
• Crucial for human wellbeing. • Ecology provides the essential basis for nature
• Provide new knowledge of the interdependence conservation
between people and nature. • Ensures the survival of a rich variety of species.
• Provide vital principles for sustainable future • Educate human to be eco-friendly and being
(food production, maintaining clean air and less selfish, in return, allow biodiversity to
water, and sustaining biodiversity in a changing thrive.
climate).
For global health
• Helps to make prediction of future earth health.
• Influence government (global) policies and
regulations on environment issues
• Better understand effects of pollution and global
warming on biomes.
Resources for Ecology
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/types-
importance-examples-ecology.php
https://byjus.com/biology/ecology/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2CMUqkJTos
Outcomes check
Can you
1. Define and explain the fundamentals of ecology?
2. Elaborate the components of a healthy ecosystem.
3. Discuss the different types of ecosystem.
