CLEP Biology

CLEP Biology covers fundamental concepts in biology, including cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology, designed to help students earn college credit.

Basic Concepts

Ecology and Ecosystems

Life in the Web of Nature

Ecology is the study of how living things interact with each other and their environment. An ecosystem includes all the living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and non-living elements (water, soil, climate) in a particular area.

Levels of Organization

  • Organism: A single living thing.
  • Population: A group of the same species.
  • Community: Different species living together.
  • Ecosystem: Communities plus their environment.

Energy Flow & Food Chains

Energy flows from the sun to producers (plants) to consumers (animals) and decomposers (fungi, bacteria). Disruptions can affect the entire ecosystem!

Why Ecology Matters

Understanding ecosystems helps us protect endangered species, conserve resources, and manage natural disasters.

Examples

  • Bees pollinate flowers, supporting both plant and animal life.

  • A forest fire can change the structure of an entire ecosystem.

In a Nutshell

Ecology studies how organisms interact with each other and their environment.