AP Biology - Unit 8: Ecology

Stimulus

Any change in the environment that elicits a response from an organism.

What are the types of communication mechanisms?

Visual, Audible, tactile, chemical, and electrical signals.

Innate behaviors

genetically controlled; occur w/o prior experience

learned behaviors

developed as a result of experiences

Does natural selection favor learned or innate behaviors?

Natural selection can favor both. Innate behaviors are advantageous in stable environments, while learned behaviors are advantageous in changing conditions.

What are cooperative behaviors?

teamwork between species; increases individual fitness

What is an endotherm?

animals that generate their own body heat through metabolism

What is an ectotherm

animals that rely on external sources for body heat

What is an autotroph?

organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis (light) or chemosynthesis (chemicals)

What are heterotrophs?

organisms that obtain food by consuming other organisms

How do changes in availability affect the number and size of trophic levels?

Changes in resource availability and producer level can lead to fluctuations in population sizes at different trophic levels, which can affect ecosystem stability and biodiversity.

What are physiological mechanisms?

Physiological behaviors are the internal processes and responses These include responses like thermoregulation, hydration, and metabolic adjustments.

Altruistic Behavior

An act that increases inclusive fitness, reduces individual fitness

what are behavioral mechanisms?

Behavioral mechanisms are physical actions or strategies that organisms use to respond to environmental stimuli.

What is thigmotropism?

How a plant responds to touch