Title: Introduction to Ecology
Subtitle: Comprehensive Study Notes with Diagrams and Practice Questions
Date: June 2025
Institution: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
1. Definition of Ecology
Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of interactions between living and
their environment.
Greek roots: Oikos = house, Logos = study.
It explains how organisms adapt, survive, and interact in natural surroundings.
2. Levels of Ecological Organization
From smallest to largest :
Level Description
Orgainms A single individual (e.g; one lion)
Population Group of same species living in one area
Community Different species living together in an area
Ecosystem Living organism + non-living components
Biome Large areas with similar climate + organisms
Biosphere Entire Earth where life exists
3. Components of the Environment
a. Biotic components (Living):
Plants
Animals
Subtitle: Comprehensive Study Notes with Diagrams and Practice Questions
Date: June 2025
Institution: Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO)
1. Definition of Ecology
Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of interactions between living and
their environment.
Greek roots: Oikos = house, Logos = study.
It explains how organisms adapt, survive, and interact in natural surroundings.
2. Levels of Ecological Organization
From smallest to largest :
Level Description
Orgainms A single individual (e.g; one lion)
Population Group of same species living in one area
Community Different species living together in an area
Ecosystem Living organism + non-living components
Biome Large areas with similar climate + organisms
Biosphere Entire Earth where life exists
3. Components of the Environment
a. Biotic components (Living):
Plants
Animals
