Ecosystems: What Are They and
How Do They Work?
Chapter 3
,Core Case Study: Tropical Rain Forests
Are Disappearing
Cover about 2% of the earth’s land surface
Contain about 50% of the world’s known plant
and animal species
Disruption will have three major harmful effects
• Reduce biodiversity
• Accelerate global warming
• Change regional weather patterns
,3-1 What Is Ecology?
Concept 3-1 Ecology is the study of how
organisms interact with one another and with
their physical environment of matter and energy.
, Cells Are the Basic Units of Life
Cell Theory
Eukaryotic cell
Prokaryotic cell
How Do They Work?
Chapter 3
,Core Case Study: Tropical Rain Forests
Are Disappearing
Cover about 2% of the earth’s land surface
Contain about 50% of the world’s known plant
and animal species
Disruption will have three major harmful effects
• Reduce biodiversity
• Accelerate global warming
• Change regional weather patterns
,3-1 What Is Ecology?
Concept 3-1 Ecology is the study of how
organisms interact with one another and with
their physical environment of matter and energy.
, Cells Are the Basic Units of Life
Cell Theory
Eukaryotic cell
Prokaryotic cell
