Principles of Ecology - Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Principles of Ecology lecture notes, including definitions, principles, and research interests related to the subject of ecology.

What is the unit of biodiversity in ecology?

Community

Define the term 'ecosystem' in ecology.

A system that includes living organisms (biotic) and their environment (abiotic) interacting as a unit.

What does the term 'organism' refer to in ecological studies?

The basic unit that exchanges energy and materials with the environment; focuses on survival and reproduction.

What is the focus of population ecology?

The study of how groups of individuals of the same species grow and reproduce.

What does the term 'biosphere' encompass?

Global processes affecting all ecosystems on Earth.

What principle explains how predation can regulate herbivore populations?

Green World Hypothesis

What is the significance of community ecology?

It studies interactions among populations and how these interactions affect species growth and survival.

What are the two components of ecosystems?

Biotic (living) and abiotic (physical environment).

What is the main focus of ecosystem ecology?

The study of energy flow and element cycling in large scale living systems.

What is the role of behavioral ecology?

It examines how individual behavior affects survival and reproduction.

Summarize the scientific method used in ecology.

It involves observation, hypothesis development, testing, and analysis.

Define gross primary production.

The total amount of organic matter produced by photosynthesis in an ecosystem.

What is competitive exclusion principle in ecology?

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

Why study ecology?

To understand natural laws affecting organisms and predict human impact on ecosystems.

Name one research interest of Dr. Dafeng Hui.

Global change ecology.

What are laboratory sessions focused on in the Principles of Ecology course?

Practical applications of ecological concepts learned in lectures.

What does the term 'population dynamics' refer to?

The study of changes in population size and composition over time.

How does temperature affect physiological ecology?

It influences survival, growth, and reproduction rates of organisms.

What does the term 'emergent properties' mean in the context of ecology?

Phenomena that can only be explained by examining a specific hierarchical level.

What constitutes community structure in ecology?

The diversity and abundance of species interactions in a community.

Define 'global change ecology.'

The study of ecological changes such as climate impacts on ecosystems.

What does it mean to 'sequester' carbon dioxide in ecological terms?

To capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

What is an example of abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Soil, water, and climate.

What is the aim of conservation ecology?

To protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity.

How does landscape ecology differ from traditional ecology?

It focuses on spatial patterns and processes in ecological systems.

Why is attendance important in the Principles of Ecology course?

Attendance contributes to overall understanding and course performance.

What is the scientific role of models in ecology?

They serve as simplified representations of real ecological systems for predictions.

What is an intrinsic factor influencing population growth?

Food availability.

What is the main textbook used for the Principles of Ecology course?

Ecology: The Economy of Nature.

What are two sources of funding mentioned for field experiments?

NSF (National Science Foundation) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

Define ‘population growth’ in ecological terms.

The increase in the number of individuals in a population over time.

What is physiological ecology specifically concerned with?

How physical factors affect organisms' survival and reproduction.

What is meant by 'competitive relationships' in community ecology?

Interactions between species that compete for the same resources.

Summarize the focus of ecosystem ecology.

Study of energy flow and nutrient cycles among organisms and their environment.

What is the significance of field experiments in ecology?

They help gather data to support or refute hypotheses under natural conditions.

Define environmental science in relation to ecology.

The study of how humans impact natural systems.

What is the purpose of ecological models?

To estimate and predict ecological interactions and outcomes.

What is the goal of studying 'evolutionary fitness' in ecology?

To understand how well organisms adapt to their environment for survival.

What type of organisms are foundational to the concept of an ecosystem?

Both biotic organisms (like plants and animals) and abiotic components (like water and soil).

Define the term 'herbivores' within the Green World Hypothesis context.

Organisms that consume plant material but are controlled by predator populations.

What does 'niche' refer to in ecology?

The role or function of an organism within its ecosystem.

What are some challenges that ecologists face according to the lecture?

Incomplete knowledge and uncertainties in ecological data interpretation.

Describe the relationship between population and community ecology.

Population ecology studies individual species, while community ecology examines the interactions of multiple species.

How is ecological research often supported?

Through grants from organizations like NSF, USDA, and the Department of Energy.

What forms the basis of ecology as a science?

The study of interactions between organisms, and between organisms and their environment.

Why is understanding biomes important in ecology?

It helps categorize ecosystems based on climate and biological communities.

What is 'autecology'?

The study of individual organisms and their responses to environmental factors.

Why must students track changes in attendance?

To ensure they receive attendance points and comply with course policy.

Describe a method used to analyze ecological data.

Mathematical modeling or statistical analysis.

What impact do human activities have on global ecosystems?

They contribute to changes like global warming and habitat loss.

What is the focus of restoration ecology?

Repairing and rehabilitating ecosystems that have been degraded.

What can limit the growth of a population?

Resource availability and environmental factors.