Bio Ecology

Ecological Organization

organism, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere

Organisms

macromolecules, tissues, organs

population

all organisms of the same species in a given area

produce viable offspring

community

several interacting populations in a given area

community

several interacting populations in a given area

ecosystem

contains living populations & nonliving aspects in a given area

ex: perception, terrain, temp, sunlight hrs, pH, water currents, salinity, O2 levels

biome

large areas with the same mature ecosystems

biosphere

any where on earth that has life

mutualism

both species benefit from the association

commensalism

the presence of one species has a beneficial effect on the other, but is not affected by the association

amensalism

the presence of one species has a harmful effect on the other, but is not affected by the association itself

explotation

one species benefits at all the expense of the other

antibiosis

one species benefits by producing a compound which inhibits the growth of another organism

competition

two species compete for the same resources, with both species suffering from the increased strain on resources

Type I population survivorship curves

• mortality in old age

• top of food chain (larger)

• fewer offspring

• more parental protection & guidance

Type II population survivorship curves

• mortality in all ages

• litter/clutch

• less parental involvement

• middle of food chain

• medium to small size

Type III population survivorship curves

• mortality in year one

• large litters/clutches

• no parental involvement

• low end of food chain

Exponential population growth curve

• rapid growth

• population being introduced to new ecosystems

Logistical population growth curve

• fluctuates above and below carrying capacity

• established population

low density distribution

• individuals are spaced well apart

• only a few per unit area

random distribution density

• occur when individuals are spaced irregular

• plants

high density distribution

many individuals per unit area

clumped distribution

• occur when individuals are grouped in patches

• herding

uniform distribution

• occur when individuals are evenly spaced within the area