Ecology
4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems
Ecology - the study of relationships between living organisms and between organisms and
their environment
If members of two closely related species interbreed and produce offspring the hybrids will be
sterile e.g. mules
• Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide (from atmosphere or dissolved in water) into organic
compound, known as producers
• Heterotrophs - obtain their organic molecules from other organisms. Heterotrophs that
ingest other organisms obtain their organic molecules are known as consumers
• A few plants and algae use combination of different modes of nutrition and are hence
known as mixotrophs e.g. euglena sp. and Venus flytrap
Herbivores feed on producers. E.g. deer, zebra
Omnivores feed on a combination of both producers and consumers. E.g.chimpanzee, mouse
Carnivores feed on other consumers. E.g. lions, snake
Scavengers are specialized carnivores that feed mostly on dead and decaying animals. E.g.
hyenas
4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems
Ecology - the study of relationships between living organisms and between organisms and
their environment
If members of two closely related species interbreed and produce offspring the hybrids will be
sterile e.g. mules
• Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide (from atmosphere or dissolved in water) into organic
compound, known as producers
• Heterotrophs - obtain their organic molecules from other organisms. Heterotrophs that
ingest other organisms obtain their organic molecules are known as consumers
• A few plants and algae use combination of different modes of nutrition and are hence
known as mixotrophs e.g. euglena sp. and Venus flytrap
Herbivores feed on producers. E.g. deer, zebra
Omnivores feed on a combination of both producers and consumers. E.g.chimpanzee, mouse
Carnivores feed on other consumers. E.g. lions, snake
Scavengers are specialized carnivores that feed mostly on dead and decaying animals. E.g.
hyenas
