4.1: Unit 4 Introduction

Unit 4 Introduction

This unit introduces ecology, the study of the interactions of living organisms with their environment. One core goal of ecology is to understand the distribution and abundance of living things in the physical environment. Attainment of this goal requires the integration of scientific disciplines inside and outside of biology, such as biochemistry, physiology, evolution, biodiversity, molecular biology, geology, and climatology. Unit 4 introduces students to the general concepts of ecology including population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology, and biogeography. Vignettes on Indigenous Science and the ecology of British Columbia are included.

Unit 4 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Unit, you will be able to:

• Discuss important processes and interactions leading to the structure of natural communities, especially natural selection, population growth, competition, nutrient cycling, and behavioural ecology.
• Be familiar with the major ecosystems on land and in water.
• Critically discuss the role of humans as a force of change in the biosphere.
• Understand and articulate the principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
• Think critically about the principles of biology studied and communicate your thinking clearly and concisely in speaking and in writing.

Unit 4 Table of Contents

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Population and Community Ecology

4.2.1. The Scope of Ecology

4.2.2. What is Population Ecology?

4.2.3. Life Histories and Natural Selection

4.2.4. Population Demography

4.2.5. Population Models

4.2.6. Human Population Growth

4.3. Community Ecology

4.3.1. Introduction to Community Ecology

4.3.2. Antagonistic Interactions

4.3.3. Symbiotic Interactions

4.3.4. Ecological Succession

4.3.5. Community Structure and Dynamics

4.4. Ecosystems and The Biosphere

4.4.1. Ecology of Ecosystems

4.4.2. Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

4.4.3. Terrestrial Biomes

4.4.4. Aquatic Biomes

4.4.5. Biogeochemical Cycles

4.4.6. Biogeography

4.G. Glossary

4.S. Summary

Unit 4 Assessments

If you are a TRU student using this resource, all of your assessed learning activities and assignments are in your course Moodle site.

This unit introduces learners to the scale and scope of the study of ecology, from populations and communities to ecosystems and biomes.

Video

In this 10.5-minute video, the field of ecology is introduced, the topic of this unit.
Question after watching: What is the difference between population, communities, ecosystems, biomes, and biosphere?
Think of a specific region in British Columbia. Identify what might fit into each of these categories in that region.

Please click on the blue arrow on the right to start Unit 4: Chapter 4.2. If you are on mobile, use the navigation links at the bottom of this page.

Cover Photo: "Introduction" (Larah McElroy, CC BY-NC 2.0)