Ecological Levels of Organization in Kelp Forests and Sea Otters

What does ecology study?

• The physical features of the Earth

• The genetic makeup of organisms

• The relationships of organisms with each other and their environment

• The history of natural habitats

What is the smallest ecological level of organization?

• Community

• Population

• Individual

• Ecosystem

What does the population level focus on?

• Members of the same species interacting in a geographical area

• Non-living elements in an environment

• Global ecosystems

• Different species living in an area

How do sea otters in a population interact?

• By holding hands to avoid floating away

• By hunting in packs

• By competing for sunlight

• By migrating together

What does the community level include?

• A single species in a habitat

• Populations of different species interacting

• The entire planet's ecosystem

• Water temperature and sunlight

At which level are relationships among different species studied?

• Population

• Biosphere

• Community

• Individual

What additional elements are considered at the ecosystem level?

• Biotic elements only

• Abiotic or non-living elements

• Human-made structures

• Atmospheric gases only

Which level examines both living and non-living elements?

• Community

• Ecosystem

• Population

• Individual

What is the largest ecological level of organization?

• Ecosystem

• Population

• Biosphere

• Community

What encompasses all ecosystems on the planet?

• The Community level

• The Population level

• The Ecosystem level

• The Biosphere level