Study Guide
Lecture 2 – Introduction to Ecology
Be able to define Ecology, recognize key subdisciplines within Ecology and understand the kinds of
questions addressed by each discipline.
Be able to distinguish ecology from other terms often confused with ecology (e.g. “natural history” or
“environmentalism/environmental activism”)
Be familiar with the concepts of abiotic and biotic factors, and be able to provide examples of each.
Be aware of the various ways we might divide ecological disciplines – e.g. the “hierarchical” nature of
many ecological subdisciplines, the conceptual divisions between branches of ecology, theoretical vs.
applied ecology, etc.
Understand the importance of context (perspective) in ecology – for example, how the questions we
might ask, the approach we might take, or the conclusions we might reach, depend upon the scale of
our observations.
Understand how temporal scale may be linked to spatial scale in the study of ecology.
Be familiar with the two classic examples of ecological studies presented in Chapter 1 (MacArthur’s 1958
study of warblers, and Schindler’s 1974 study of lake eutrophication). Be able to describe the questions
(or hypotheses) addressed in these studies, the methods used, and the results found. Also, be able to
explain the significance of these results (from a historical, theoretical, or applied perspective).
Be familiar with the Scientific Method as it is classically applied. Be able to explain why the traditional
experimental approach may not always work in ecology (note there are many reasons). In other words,
be able to explain some of the common “pitfalls” of ecological studies, an some of the solutions
ecologists employ to get around these limitations.
In other words, be familiar with the concept of “multiple” methods in Ecology (not just the traditional
scientific method). Be able to explain some of the alternate “scientific” approaches used, and how the
classic scientific method can be adapted or modified.
--Lecture stopped here -Understand the link between ecology and practical problem-solving (e.g. as it applies to biotic resources,
or natures “goods and services”).
Be familiar with the concepts of “ecosystem services” and “natural capital” as discussed in the article by
Costanza et al. (1997)