EXAM 4

Ecology

The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Levels of Organization

Only Penguins Can Eat Big Berries
Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere

Organism

An individual living entity.

Population

A group of the same species in a designated area.

Community

Interacting populations of different species.

Ecosystem

A community plus abiotic (non-living) factors.

Biome

Large ecosystems characterized by specific climates.

Biosphere

The global ecological system integrating all living things.

Physical Factors

Elements like temperature, wind, water, light, salinity, and pH that affect ecosystems.

Solar Radiation

Energy from the sun that drives temperature and weather.

Atmospheric Circulation

Patterns of wind affecting weather conditions.

Greenhouse Effect

Heating of Earth's surface due to trapped gases.

Global Warming

Climate change caused by excessive greenhouse gases.

Population Size

The total number of individuals in a population.

Population Density

The number of individuals per area or volume.

Distribution

Spatial arrangement of individuals in a population.

Uniform Distribution

Evenly spaced individuals within a habitat.

Random Distribution

No specific pattern among individuals.

Clumped Distribution

Individuals grouped together in clusters.

Growth Models

Representations of population growth dynamics.

Exponential Growth

Unlimited growth represented by a J-curve.

Logistic Growth

Growth limited by carrying capacity shown in S-curve.

Density-Dependent Regulation

Factors affected by population size (e.g., food, disease).

Density-Independent Regulation

External factors affecting populations (e.g., weather).

Life Strategies

Strategies organisms use for survival and reproduction.

r-Selected Species

Species with high reproduction rates and short lifespans.

K-Selected Species

Species with low reproduction rates and long lifespans.

Mutualism

An interaction where both species benefit.

Commensalism

One species benefits, while the other is unaffected.

Competition

Both species are harmed by resource competition.

Predation

Interaction between predator and prey.

Amensalism

One species is harmed while the other is unaffected.

Ecological Niche

The role and resources used by a species within its ecosystem.

Resource Partitioning

Dividing resources among species to minimize competition.

Camouflage

A predation strategy to avoid detection by hiding.

Mimicry

Imitation of another species for protection.

Diversity-Stability Hypothesis

Greater biodiversity leads to increased ecosystem stability.

Primary Succession

Starts from bare rock, leading to soil formation.

Secondary Succession

Recovery process after a disturbance.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Species Diversity

Variety of different species within an ecosystem.

Genetic Diversity

Variability of genes within a species.

Ecosystem Diversity

Variety of habitats and ecosystems on Earth.

Inbreeding

Breeding between closely related individuals, reducing genetic diversity.

Overharvesting

Depletion of species due to excessive capture or use.

Trophic Levels

Positions within a food chain representing energy transfer.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in ecosystems.

Producers

Organisms that produce energy (e.g., plants).

Consumers

Organisms that consume other organisms for energy.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organic matter.