Ecology Lecture Sept. 9th

These flashcards cover key concepts from ecological physiology, translating lecture notes into vocabulary definitions to aid in exam preparation.

Physiological Ecology

The study of how physiological processes influence the ecology and distribution of organisms.

Acclimation

Short-term physiological changes in an organism in response to environmental stress, reversible and occurs within an individual lifetime.

Adaptation

Genetic changes in a population over generations in response to environmental stresses, leading to improved survival and reproduction.

Climate Envelope

The range of climate conditions suitable for a species, predicting its potential distribution based on temperature and moisture.

Lower Critical Temperature

The temperature below which an endotherm must increase its metabolic rate to maintain homeostasis.

Isozymes

Different forms of an enzyme that function at different temperatures, enabling organisms to adapt to varying thermal environments.

Stomata

Small openings on plant leaves that regulate gas exchange and water loss through transpiration.

Ectotherms

Organisms that rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature (e.g., reptiles, amphibians).

Endotherms

Organisms that generate internal heat to maintain a constant body temperature (e.g., mammals, birds).

Trichomes

Hair-like structures on plant leaves that can provide insulation and reduce heat absorption.

Desiccation Tolerance

The ability of an organism to withstand extreme water loss and survive in dry conditions.

Metabolic Rate

The rate at which an organism converts energy for metabolic processes.

Photosynthesis Stress

Any deviation from optimal conditions that negatively affects a plant's photosynthetic process.

Migration

The seasonal movement of organisms from one region to another in response to environmental changes.

Hibernation

A state of dormancy in some animals characterized by reduced metabolic activity and lowered body temperature to conserve energy during cold conditions.

Transpiration

The process by which water vapor is lost from plant surfaces, primarily through stomata, helping to cool the plant.

Countercurrent heat exchange

Vessels run in close proximity to warm incoming blood and cooled by the hot muscular heat, maintaining a higher core temp

Ectotypes

Populations with adaptations to unique environments

Plants that live in colder climates have what kind of lipids?

Unsaturated (double-bonded) lipids

State of dormancy

Where little to no metabolic activity occurs

Pubescence

Hairs on leaf surfaces that reflect solar energy (can also reduce convective heat loss)

Cyroprotectants

Solutes like glucose and glycerol that inhibit freezing inside cells