BIOL-1005 Lecture Notes - Cactus, Intertropical Convergence Zone, Eating Animals
25 Nov 2012
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Document Summary
Ch 52: ecology and the distribution of life. Ecology: scientific study of rich and varied interactions btwn organisms and environment. Communities: systems embracing all the organisms loving together in the same area. Ecosystems: systems embracing all organisms in an area plus their physical environment. Environment: encompasses abiotic (physical+chemical ex water, minerals) and biotic (living organisms) factors interactions btwn organisms and environment are 2 way processes: organisms both influence and are influenced by environment. Understanding ecology allows us to manage ecosystems, to grow food, control pests, deal with natural disasters, etc. Ecologists become familiar with various environments and understand how organisms adapt to them. Climate: average of atmospheric conditions (temp, precipitation, wind direction, velocity) found over long term [weather: short-term state of conditions: vary in different parts of world due to solar energy. Air temp decreases with elevation: air rises, expands, pressure and temp drop moisture released.
