How Plant, Animals & Human Affect Ecology? | Biology for JAMB PDF Download

Introduction to Ecology

• Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• It encompasses the study of various ecological levels, including individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
• Understanding how organisms are distributed and how their distribution is influenced by plants, animals, and human activities is crucial in ecology.

Interactions Between Plants and Organism Distribution

1. Plant Succession:

• Plant succession refers to the gradual change in plant communities over time in a particular area.
• Pioneer plants, such as lichens and mosses, are the first to colonize bare or disturbed land.
• These pioneer plants modify the environment by enriching the soil with organic matter, which facilitates the establishment of other plant species.
• The arrival of new plant species during succession affects the distribution of organisms that rely on specific plant communities.

2. Plant Adaptations:

• Different plants have specific adaptations that allow them to thrive in particular environments.
• Xerophytes, such as cacti, have adapted to arid conditions by possessing water-storing tissues and reduced leaf surface area.
• Hydrophytes, like water lilies, have adapted to aquatic environments with features like air-filled tissues for buoyancy and reduced root systems.
• These plant adaptations influence the distribution and abundance of associated organisms.

Interactions Between Animals and Organism Distribution

1. Habitat Selection:

• Animals exhibit preferences for specific habitats based on their ecological requirements.
• Some animals prefer forested areas, while others thrive in grasslands or aquatic environments.
• Habitat selection by animals affects the distribution and abundance of other organisms within the chosen habitat.

2. Mutualistic Relationships:

• Mutualistic interactions between animals and other organisms can affect their distribution.
• For example, certain plants rely on specific pollinators for reproduction, and the presence or absence of these pollinators influences the distribution of these plants.
• Similarly, animals that have symbiotic relationships with bacteria in their digestive systems are restricted to environments where their specific bacterial partners can survive.

Interactions Between Humans and Organism Distribution

1. Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation:

• Human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, lead to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats.
• This disrupts the distribution of organisms, as their preferred habitats become fragmented or completely eliminated.
• Species that cannot adapt or disperse to new habitats may face local extinction.

2. Introduction of Non-Native Species:

• Humans often introduce non-native species to new environments intentionally or unintentionally.
• These species, also known as invasive species, can outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the existing ecological balance.
• The presence of invasive species can significantly alter the distribution and abundance of native organisms.

3. Pollution and Climate Change:

• Human activities contribute to pollution and climate change, which have far-reaching impacts on the distribution of organisms.
• Pollution in water bodies can lead to the decline of aquatic species, affecting the overall ecosystem.
• Climate change alters temperature and precipitation patterns, causing shifts in the geographical ranges of many species and disrupting their interactions.

Conclusion

• The activities of plants, animals, and humans have a profound influence on the distribution of organisms.
• Understanding these ecological interactions is essential for conservation efforts, sustainable land management, and the preservation of biodiversity.
• Recognizing the delicate balance between organisms and their environment is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting the well-being of all organisms involved.