Chapter 1: The Scope of Ecology

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Chapter 1 The Scope of Ecology
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Levels of Organization

• Biosystems are interactions between biotic and
  abiotic components.
• Can be studied at any level
• Fungi-algae lichen host-parasite (gtpopulation,
  ltcommunity)

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Typical Areas of Ecology
Hierarchies are nested composed of lower-level
groups
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Emergent Property Principle

• When hierarchal components are combined to create
  a larger functional whole (populations ?
  community), new properties emerge
• Combine gaseous H with gaseous O, get liquid H2O
• Algae and coelenterate animals ? coral
• High productivity and diversity are emergent
  properties

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Transcending Functions and Control Processes

• Transcending functions basic functions that
  operate at all hierarchies
• Behavior, development, diversity, energetics,
  evolution, integration, and regulation
• Positive and negative feedback controls are
  universal

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Keeps systems altering as they have in the past
(i.e., regulation of storage and release of
nutrients)
Very exact genetic, hormonal, and neural controls
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Capital

• Economic capital the goods and services
  provided by humankind, or the human workforce
• Gross national product (GNP)
• Natural capital benefits and services supplied
  to human societies by natural ecosystems, or
  provided free of cost by unmanaged natural
  systems
• Purification of water and air, decomposition of
  wastes, maintenance of biodiversity, control of
  nsect pests, pollination of crops, mitigation of
  floods, provision of natural beauty, etc.
• Ecosystem services 16 to 54 (avg. 33) trillion
  US dollars per year (Costanza, dArge, et al.
  1997).

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Models

• A formulation that mimics a real-world phenomenon
  and by which predictions can be made.
• Informal ? graphic
• Formal ? mathematical
• Garbage in garbage out

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Graphic Model
Energy Source (forcing function)
Feedback Loop
State variables
Interaction function (emergent property)
Flow Pathways
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Photochemical Smog Model
Feedback Loop
Solar Energy
Hydro-carbons
Photo-chemical smog
Synergistic effect
Nitrogen-oxides
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Grassland Model
Feedback Loop
Solar Energy
Plants
Omnivores
availability, , season, threshold
Herbivores
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Feedback Loops

• Represent control mechanisms, or -

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Interaction of /- Feedback Loops
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Model Symbols
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Ecosystem Model