General ecology studies the interactions between living organisms and their environment. An ecosystem includes living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and non-living elements (soil, water, air, climate). Organisms are influenced by abiotic factors (temperature, light, water) and biotic factors (competition, predation, symbiosis). In ecosystems, energy flows from the sun to producers (plants), then to consumers (animals), while decomposers recycle organic matter. Matter circulates through biogeochemical cycles such as carbon and water cycles. Ecology also explains how populations adapt to their environment (ecological niche and optimum conditions). Human activities like pollution and deforestation can disrupt ecosystems and affect their balance.
- Teacher: Fella ABOUR