Ecology Explorations Term 1 & 2 Summary

Phenotypes

Physical appearance of an organism. It is determined by genes and enviromental factors. Eg. Hair colour, skin colour.

Genetic diversity

Organisms differ through genetic diversity. It refers to the different genetic characteristics in a species, creating variation and adaptability within populations.

Gene Pool

A gene pool is the collection of genes within a population.

Bigger Population

More members who have the right genes to survive.

Shallow Gene Pool

Breeding between closely related members of the same family occur. Flaws and disabilities become more pronounced.

Family

A group of genetically related individuals that may share common ancestry.

Hybrid Species

A species that is the result of the crossbreeding between two different species, combining traits from both parents.

Linneus proposed what system of naming.

Bionomial

Genus

Similar species into a genera. All members of a genus have similar features.

Alleles

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

Genetid Variation

The variation in the genetic makeup among individuals within a species, which can result in different traits and characteristics.

Gene Flow

the movement of individuals and their alleles between populations

Genetic Drift

Changes in allele frequency due to chance events.

Natural Selection

Organisms better adapted for an enviroment are more likely to pass genes on to next generation.

Speciation

The process that results in a new species.

Adaptation

A characteristic or behaviour that allows a speices to survive and reproduce more effectivley.

Isolation

The division of two populations into two groups.

diverge

Two species become more different over time due to different selection pressures.

Homologous Structures

Structures that are similar but do not ncessarily have the same function now.

Nitrate Contamination

Occurs when an excessive amount of oxygen and nitrogen are present in water sources. Typically due to agricultural runoff, industrial waste and other types of waste disposal.

Water Cycle

Evaporation, condenses, precipitation

Nutrient cycle

Nitrogen moves from the atmosphere to the biosphere.

Bacteria turns nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb for growth

when plants and animals die nitrogen decomposes into the soill

Nitrogen moves from osil back to the atmosphere.

Predation

A relationship where one organism (predator) hunts and consumes another (prey)

Mutualism

Both organisms benefit from the interaction. Think bees pollinating flowers.

Commensalism

One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed

Parasitism

One organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of the host

Competition

Two organisms vie for the same resource which can limit growth or survival

Symbiosis

A close and long term biological relationship between two different organisms

Herbivory

Animals feed on plants

Detritivory

Organisms that feed on dead organic matter.

Impact of overpopulation

Resource depletion, habitat degration, reduced biodiversity, increased disease spread, trophic cascades.

Exponetial Growth

J curve. Rapid increase without enviromental limits. Resource exhaust, habitat collapse, population crash.

Logistic Growth

Growth that slows as it approaches carrying capactity. S curve. More stable, sustainable populations.

Boom Bust Cycles.

Sudden increase followed by rapid crashes

Reproduction Rate of K species

Low few offspring

Parental Care of K species

Significant

Body size of K species

Larger

Maturation of K species

Slow

Lifespang of K species

Long

Reproduction Rate of a R species

High many offspring

Parental care of a R species

minimal or none

body size of a R species

small

Maturation of a R species

Fast

Lifespan of a R species

short

Enviroment of a K species

Stable, resource limited

Examples of a K species

Elephants, humans, whales.

Enviroment of a R species

Unstable or unpredictable

Examples of a R species

Incects, frogs, dandelions.

Individual

a single organisms

Population

A group of individuals of the same species in one area.

Community

All the different species living in an area

Ecosystem

The community plus the abiotic enviroment

Biome

A large geographic region with similar climate and life forms

Biosphere

All ecosystems on earth

Lithosphere

Soil, ground

Atmosphere

Air