Intraspecific Variation, Ecomorphology, and Conservation

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the ecology of intraspecific variation, ecomorphology, and conservation as detailed in the lecture notes.

Intraspecific Variation

Differences within a species based on genetic, morphological, and ecological factors that occur in varying environments.

Ecotype

A genetically distinct population adapted to specific environmental conditions.

Ecomorphology

The study of the relationship between the ecological role of an organism and its morphological adaptations.

Course-grained Environmental Variation

Exists when a species occurs across many different habitats, leading to significant morphological and behavioral adaptations.

Fine-grained Environmental Variation

Occurs when a species is restricted to fewer habitats, resulting in more stable behavior and morphology.

Clinal Variation

Gradual changes in a trait or phenotype across a geographic range.

Step-clinal Variation

Rapid changes in a trait that occur over a narrow geographic area, often due to sudden ecological shifts.

Gene Flow

The transfer of genetic material between different populations that can affect genetic variation.

Ecotone

A transition area between two ecosystems, where different habitat types meet.

Adaptation

A trait or characteristic developed by a species over time to better survive and reproduce in its environment.

Speciation

The evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.

Morphological Variation

Differences in the form and structure of species, often influenced by environmental factors.

Transitional Boundaries

The areas where two different ecosystems meet and interact.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to evolutionary changes.

Mutations

Changes in the genetic sequence that can introduce new traits into a population.

Recombination

The process during which chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to genetic diversity.

Balanced Polymorphism

A situation in which multiple phenotypes are maintained in a population due to selective advantages of heterozygotes.