Reproductive Strategies, Biogeochemical Cycles, and Species Interactions

Flashcards on reproductive strategies, systems, biogeochemical cycles, and species interactions.

Oviparity

Internal fertilization occurs, and the egg is deposited outside the body (e.g., birds, chickens).

Ovoviviparity

Internal fertilization occurs, the egg stays within the mother, and the baby gets nutrients directly from the egg (e.g., bony fish, cartilaginous fish).

Viviparity

Internal fertilization occurs, the baby matures inside the parent, and the baby takes nutrients from the mother (e.g., mammals, humans).

Testes

Paired structure in the male reproductive system that produces sperm (spermatogenesis); located in the scrotal sac to keep them cooler.

Epididymis

Site of sperm maturation in the male reproductive system.

Vas Deferens

Tube that takes sperm to the next part of the male reproductive system.

Urethra

Part of the urinary and reproductive system in males.

Penis

Male reproductive organ with three columns of spongy erectile tissue; blood pools in the area during erection.

Seminal Fluid

Fluid containing sperm and secretions from seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral gland.

Ovaries (Gonads)

Site for oogenesis (egg production) in the female reproductive system.

Oviducts (Uterine/Fallopian Tubes)

Tubes attaching from the ovary to the uterus; fimbriae sweep eggs from ovaries.

Uterus

Female reproductive organ; narrow end is called the cervix; embryo embeds in the lining (endometrium).

Vagina

Female reproductive organ with a mucosal lining that allows for expansion.

Clitoris

Female external genitalia homologous to the penis; consists of a shaft of erectile tissue.

Hymen

Thin membrane obstructing the vaginal opening; doesn't indicate virginity.

Hydrological (Water) Cycle

Biogeochemical cycle involving precipitation, infiltration/runoff, evaporation/evapotranspiration, and condensation.

Native Plant

Plants that have coevolved with local organisms.

Neutralism

Species interaction where two individuals are neutral to each other; they don't hurt or help (e.g., flower far away from a tree).

Amensalism

Species interaction where one is neutral to the other, and the other is harmed (e.g., mesquite trees release waste into the soil, killing off other trees).

Commensalism

Species interaction where one benefits, and one is neutral (e.g., bird following a cow/tractor which moves the grass and insects for the birds).

Competition

Species interaction where both species harm each other.

Mutualism

Species interaction where both species benefit each other (e.g., bees and flowers).

Predation/Parasitism

Species interaction where one benefits, and one is harmed (e.g., predator eats prey, or one has a host).