AP Biology
Advanced Placement Biology course covering cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology.
Ecological Interactions and Ecosystems
The Web of Life
Ecosystems are communities of living things interacting with each other and their environment. These interactions shape the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients.
Types of Interactions
- Predation: One organism eats another.
- Symbiosis: Close relationships, like mutualism (both benefit), commensalism, and parasitism.
- Competition: Organisms vie for the same resources.
Ecosystem Dynamics
Energy flows from the sun to producers (plants) to consumers (animals) and decomposers (fungi, bacteria). Disruptions to these interactions can impact biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Impact on Us
Ecology helps us understand environmental issues like climate change, habitat loss, and resource management.
Examples
Bees pollinate flowers, supporting food crops and wild plants.
Invasive species can outcompete natives, disrupting ecosystem balance.
In a Nutshell
Ecosystems depend on complex interactions between organisms and their environment.