Biology Midterm

Fixed Action Patterns

Genetically determined behaviors performed without learning that are stereotypic and cannot be modified by learning

Cost-Benefit Approach

A method to investigate behavior based on energetic cost risk cost and opportunity cost

Energetic Cost

The amount of energy an organism expends to perform a behavior

Risk Cost

The risk of being injured or killed while performing a behavior

Opportunity Cost

The loss of other potential opportunities when performing a behavior

Territorial Behavior

Aggressive behavior used to deny other animals access to a habitat

Chemical Signals

Communication using pheromones that work day or night over long distances

Acoustic Signals

Sound-based communication usable day or night and effective over long distances

Mechanosensory Communication

Communication involving touch

Population

A group of organisms living in the same area at the same time

Community

Different populations living in the same area at the same time

Ecosystem

A community interacting with its physical environment

Biosphere

All ecosystems on Earth

Biotic

Living components of an environment

Abiotic

Nonliving components of an environment

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO2 CH4 and N2O that trap heat in the atmosphere

Photic Zone

Aquatic zone where light penetrates allowing photosynthesis and supporting most life

Coastal Zone

Shoreline areas including reefs and sediment flats

Ocean Zone

Deep water beyond the coastal zone

Biome

A group of ecologically similar organisms shaped by environmental conditions

Tropical Rainforest

Biome with high rainfall and temperatures year round

Desert

Biome where organisms adapt to conserve water and avoid heat

Temperate Grasslands

Biome with dry conditions hot summers and cold winters

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that affect populations based on their density such as competition predators and disease

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that affect populations regardless of density such as natural disasters

r-Strategists

Species that tolerate unpredictable environments reproduce once and have short lifespans

K-Strategists

Species that thrive in stable environments reproduce multiple times and have long lifespans

Symbiosis

A close relationship where one species lives in or on another and may be beneficial or harmful

Predation

Interaction where one species benefits and the other is harmed

Competition

Interaction where both species are negatively affected

Mutualism

Interaction where both species benefit

Crypsis

Camouflage allowing prey to blend into their environment

Stillness

A defense where prey remains motionless to avoid detection

Chemical Defense

Release of chemicals to deter predators