Eco Evolutionary Dynamic Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture notes about the introduction to eco evolutionary dynamics. Key terms, definitions, and examples are included.

Eco-evolutionary Dynamics

Feedbacks between evolutionary and ecological processes that can happen on relatively contemporary time scales.

Niche Construction

A key requirement for strong eco-evolutionary dynamics, where organisms modify their own environment and thus alter selection pressures.

Strong Interactors

Species that have disproportionate effects on their environment and can be potential drivers of eco-evolutionary feedbacks (e.g., ecosystem engineers, keystone species).

Biodiversity (Evolutionary Biology Perspective)

Focuses on the processes that generate diversity in the natural world.

Biodiversity (Ecological Perspective)

Systems-focused, emphasizing the maintenance and implications of biodiversity.

Conditions for Rapid Evolution

Colonization of new habitats and local adaptation within heterogeneous habitats.

Industrial Melanism

An example of rapid evolution where the melanistic (black) morph of a moth became dominant in polluted industrial areas due to better camouflage.

Eco-evolutionary Dynamics Definition

The reciprocal interaction between the ecology of populations, communities, and ecosystems and the evolution of organismal traits; feedback loop between ecology and evolution.

Niche Construction (Lewontin's Idea)

Viewing the organism as an active constructor of its environment, contrasting with the Darwinian perspective where the environment solely shapes the organism.

Hutchinson's Definition of Environment

Any property outside the organisms under consideration, including both abiotic and biotic factors.

Requirements for Eco-evolutionary Feedbacks

1. Strong effect of the phenotype on environment 2. Environment causing selection on the population 3. Measurable phenotypic or genetic variation 4. Congruent time scales for ecological and evolutionary responses

Freshwater Crayfish

An example of an ecosystem engineer; modifies habitat through burrowing and foraging activities, redistributing sediment and organic matter, and contributing to nutrient cycling.

Beavers as Ecosystem Engineers

Build dams, consume plant material, fell trees, creating ponds/small lakes, change nutrient cycling, protect against wildfire by preventing fire spread.

Adaptive Radiation

Diversification of a species into different forms or ecotypes, often associated with colonization events or environmental changes.

Benthic Eco Morph

A form of stickleback that specializes on consuming benthic invertebrate prey.

Pelagic(Limnetic) Eco Morph

A form of stickleback that feeds in the water column and targets zooplankton.

Common Garden Experiment

An experimental design where different populations or ecotypes are raised under the same environmental conditions to assess and compare their performance and effects.