Ecology Concepts and Trophic Levels

This set of flashcards covers key ecological concepts related to trophic levels, population dynamics, types of species, interactions, and anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity.

Trophic Levels

Different levels in a food chain, including primary producers, primary consumers, and so on.

10% Rule

Only 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level.

GPP (Gross Primary Productivity)

The amount of energy produced through photosynthesis.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The amount of energy available to the next trophic level after accounting for respiration and other losses.

Ecosystems with Highest NPP

Forests have the highest NPP due to abundant resources.

Ecosystems with Lowest NPP

Deserts have the lowest NPP due to insufficient resources.

Top Down Population Regulation

Predator populations control the size of prey populations.

Bottom Up Population Regulation

Prey populations control the size of predator populations.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals that an ecosystem can support.

Natural Disturbances

Natural events (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes) that can affect population size.

Anthropogenic Disturbances

Human-caused events (e.g., deforestation) that impact ecosystems.

Migration

Movement of organisms in and out of an ecosystem.

Endangered Species

Species whose population is decreasing at a high rate.

r-selected Species

Species with low parental care, short gestation, short lifespan, and many offspring.

k-selected Species

Species with longer lifespan, fewer offspring, more parental care, and long gestation.

Extinction

The loss of a species, currently entering a 6th major extinction event.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit (+/+).

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is unaffected (+/0).

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other (+/-).

Anthropogenic Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Human-induced factors like pollution, climate change, overexploitation, invasive species, and habitat loss.

Adaptability

The ability of species to adjust to changing environmental conditions.