I. Introduction to Ecology
Definition of ecology
Levels of organization
History of ecology
II. Environmental Factors
Physical factors: climate, water, soil, and light
Chemical factors: nutrients and pollutants
Biological factors: competition, predation, and symbiosis
III. Population Ecology
Population growth and regulation
Life history strategies
Population interactions
IV. Community Ecology
Species interactions
Competition
Predation
Mutualism
Parasitism
Community structure and organization
Succession and disturbance
V. Ecosystem Ecology
Energy flow and nutrient cycling
Trophic levels and food webs
Biogeochemical cycles
The Carbon Cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Phosphorus Cycle
The Sulfur Cycle
VI. Conservation and Management
Human impacts on ecosystems
Threatened and endangered species
Ecosystem management and restoration
VII. Current Environmental Issues
Climate change
Biodiversity loss
Pollution and environmental health
Sustainable development
