I. The Scope of Ecology See [Scope of Ecology] page
A. Origin of the word ecology
1. Structures: The hierarchy of biology and ecology
2. Homeostasis in ecological systems
B. The Scientific Method See [The Scientific Method]
Use of the scientific method for ecological problems.
II. Structure of the Ecosystem See [Ecosystem Structure ]
A. Trophic structure
B. Food Webs See [Niches and Biodiversity]
1. vs. food chain or food cycle
2. vs. monoculture
3. The Importance of Biodiversity
C. The Biogeochemical Cycles - gaseous vs. sedimentary
1. carbon cycle
a. the greenhouse effect
b. global warming
2. nitrogen cycle
a. nitrogen budgets
b. water pollution
c. composting
3. Other cycles such as phosphorus
D. The Law of Conservation of Matter
E. The Laws of Thermodynamics
1. Human energy systems
2. The Biological Pyramid
a. rule of 10's
b. primary and secondary productivity: energy, biomass, and numbers
c. food production
d. biological magnification