Chapter 10 Adaptations and diversity | Biology for VCE Units 1&2

genetic diversity

the total number of genetically controlled characteristics that appear in the phenotype of a species

species

a taxonomic group, allocated two (genus and specific) names; only members of the same species can produce fertile offspring when mating under natural conditions

gene pool

all the alleles that exist for all the genes within an interbreeding population

population

the number of individuals of a species living in a particular place at a particular time

tolerance range

the range of conditions in which an organism can survive

optimum range

the range of a conditions in which an organism carries out life processes

adaptation

a characteristic that enhances an organism’s survival within an environment

structural adaptation

a physical characteristic of body size and shape that increases an organism’s chances of survival and reproduction

xerophyte

a plant suited to living in hot, dry environments that is generally drought tolerant

behavioural adaptation

a behaviour that increases an animal’s chances of survival and reproduction

plant response

a plant movement that increases its chances of survival

tropism

a directional movement of a plant towards or away from an environmental factor

auxin

a hormone responsible for phototropism in plants

nastic response

a non-directional movement of plants

physiological adaptation

a functional adaptation that increases an organism’s chances of survival

ecosystem

a community of interacting organisms and the physical factors that surround them

community

all the species that occupy a specific place at a specific time

density

the average number of individual organisms living in a population in a given area

carrying capacity

the total population that can be supported by an environment

distribution

the way in which members of a population are dispersed in a specific area

predation

when one organism kills and consumes another organism

keystone species

a species that has a large effect on its environment and surrounding organisms