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Definition: Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. It can be studied at various levels: Atom, Molecule, Cell organelles, Cell, Tissue, Organ, System of organs, Organism, Population, Ecosystem, Biome, Biosphere
Abiotic and Biotic Factors
Abiotic Factors:
Non-living physical and chemical elements in the environment.
Examples: Temperature, water, sunlight, wind, soil, and minerals.
Biotic Factors:
Living or once-living organisms in the environment.
Examples: Plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, protists, and any other living things.
Organisms' Responses to Environmental Changes
Behavioral Mechanisms:
Phototropism: Bending of plants toward light.
Fight or Flight Response: Immediate response to threats.
Physiological Mechanisms:
Changes in internal processes in response to external stimuli.
Animal Communications
Organisms exchange information with one another in response to internal or external changes, influencing behavior and overall fitness. Examples of animal communication include:
Mating Signals:
Fireflies: Glow to attract mates.
Peacocks: Use their elaborate tails during courting rituals.
Defense Mechanisms:
Cobras: Inflate their hood to scare off threats.
Skunks: Use their distinctive smell to deter predators.
Long-Distance Communication:
Elephants: Use their trunks to communicate over long distances.
Male Whales: Use songs to attract females.
Social Interactions:
Wolves: Howl to communicate with the pack.
Dogs: Lick their pups to bond and stimulate development.
Baboons: Groom each other to show affection and maintain social bonds.
Horses: Kick to establish dominance.
Territorial and Navigational Signals:
Cats: Rub against objects to mark them with their scent.
Ants: Use pheromone trails to follow each other.
Impact on Fitness and Population Success
Behavioral responses to environmental changes can affect an organism’s overall fitness.
Communication and cooperation among individuals can increase the survival and reproductive success of a population.
Natural Selection and Evolution
Behaviors, whether innate or learned, that increase survival and reproductive fitness are favored by natural selection.
Cooperative behaviors enhance the survival of populations and contribute to their evolutionary success.
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