AP Biology Exam Review Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from AP Biology lecture notes.

Conservation of Habitat Diversity

Conservation of habitat diversity leads to conservation of species diversity and genetic diversity.

Density-dependent Limiting Factors

Limiting factors that depend on population size; affect large/dense populations more than small/scattered populations.

Density-independent Limiting Factors

Limiting factors that affect all populations in similar ways regardless of population density.

Parasites

Derive nourishment from hosts, which ARE harmed in the process. (+/-)

Mutualism

An interaction benefits BOTH species (+/+)

Commensalism

One species is benefited, the other is not affected. (+/0)

Disturbance

An event that changes a community

Niche

The position or function of an organism in a community.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

No two species can occupy the same niche at the same place at the same time.

Innate Behavior

Behaviors due to genetic programming.

Learned behavior

The modification of behavior resulting from specific experiences.

Photoperiodism

The ability of plants to sense changes in the length of daylight and to use this information to regulate growth and development.

Endotherms

Maintain an even temperature in their bodies; use a great deal of the energy that they get from food sources in order to maintain their internal temperature.

Ectotherms

Do not maintain an even temperature in their bodies; must change their behaviors in order to maintain an internal temperature.

Diurnal Animals

Active during the day and sleep at night.

K-selected Strategy

A reproductive strategy characterized by long life spans, fewer offspring, high parental care and investment in offspring.

Metabolic Rate

The speed at which an organism's body uses energy or burns calories.

Species Richness

The number of different species present in a community.

Species Evenness

Refers to the relative abundance of each species within a community.

Species Diversity

Accounts for both richness and evenness, providing a comprehensive measure of community composition

Invasive Species

Introduced intentionally or accidentally by humans, can disrupt native ecosystems and outcompete native species.

Agonistic Behavior

Aggressive behavior that occurs as a result of competition for food or other resources.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a species that a habitat can support.

Exponential Growth

Occurs when a population is in an ideal environment, resulting in a J-shaped curve.

Ecological Succession

Refers to the predictable procession of plant communities over a relatively short period of time (decades or centuries).

Primary Succession

The process of ecological succession in which no previous organisms have existed.

Lichens

Considered pioneer organisms.