Lab 13
Ecology

    The topic of study for this lab is ecology.  An ecologist studies the interactions of organisms with one another and with their physical environment.  In other words, he studies the relationships among the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem.  A coniferous forest ecosystem may consist of biotic components such as pines, spruces, firs, and hemlocks which interact in complex ways with one another and with other plants, animals and microbes in the forest; in addition, each organism interacts with the abiotic components of its environment such as the soil, air and water.  Biotic components of a deciduous forest ecosystem may include tree species such as white oak, sugar maple, tulip poplar, and bitternut hickory; animals such as squirrels, deer, raccoon, and coyotes;  and microbes such as bacteria and fungi.  They to interact with one another, other biotic components, and the abiotic components.  One obvious and universal interaction is competition.  Trees compete for light, moisture, and soil nutrients.  Competition is especially keen among trees (and other species) of the same species.  In addition to forest ecosystems, there are various non-forest ecosystems such as grassland, pond, stream, ocean, tundra, and desert ecosystems.  If one is referring to an ecosystem that covers a very large geographic area, the term biome may be used (e.g. the deciduous forest biome).  Your instructor will discuss major biomes during this lab and/or lecture.

    It is especially important for all of us to understand some basic human ecology.  We need to know the effects of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, solid wastes, pesticides, etc. on our ecosystems.  We should be aware of the rapidly increasing human population and the problems that result from overpopulation.  In many places around the world, human populations have exceeded the carrying capacity of their ecosystems, and the results are: reduction in the quality of human life, starvation, greater susceptibility to disease, greater tendencies toward war, and other often deleterious effects.  We are eradicating animal and plant species at an alarming rate. 

    The following questions and definitions may be addressed by viewing the ecology film, discussions with your instructor, and your text.

Question 1:  Coal and oil are non-renewable energy resources.  Name some renewable energy sources.

Question 2:  List at least 5 non-forest ecosystems.

Question 3:  List the biomes your instructor has discussed during this lab and/or lecture.

Question 4:  What are the dangers associated with nuclear power plants?

Question 5:  Why is competition among members of the same species (intra-specific competition) often greater than competition among different species (inter-specific competition)?

Question 6:  In what ways do squirrels and oak trees interact?

Question 7:  In what ways do clover plants and honey bees interact?

Question 8:  Define the following ecological terms:
    a.  biome:

    b.  consumer:

    c.  symbiosis:
  
   d.  commensalism:

    e.  mutualism:

    f.  parasitism:
   
    g.  ecology:

    h.  ecosystem:

    i.  community:

    j.  competition:

    k.  food web:

    l.  niche:

    m.  population:

    n.  predator:

    o.  climax community:

    p.  succession (primary):

    q.  succession (secondary:

    r.  producer:

    LAB OBJECTIVES:
        1.  To learn a vocabulary of basic ecological terms.
        2.  To learn some basic ecological concepts.
        3.  Time permitting and instructor's discretion: a stroll through the campus and discussions of apparent ecological disturbances and/or species interactions.

    PROCEDURE:
        1.  View the videotape on ecology.  Most of the answers to these lab questions and definitions will be given in the tape.
        2.  Participate in the lecture/discussion about current ecological concerns led by your instructor.
        3.  Weather and time permitting: follow your instructor on a tour of the campus; note and participate in discussion concerning observations of ecological interactions and disturbances.