Biology 1 Honors Ecology

Ultimate Level of Energy

Sun

Producers

Autotrophs

Rule of Ten

Only 10% of energy is available to an ecosystem. Most energy is lost as heat

Mutualism

positive/positive

Parasitism

Positive/Negative

Commensalism

Positive/Neutral

Density Dependent Factors

Factors that depend on the number of organisms in a population

Density Dependent Factor Examples

Competition, Predation, Disease, Crowding

Density Independent Factors

Factors that do not depend on the number of organisms

Density Independent Factors Examples

Natural Disasters, Human Activity

Carrying Capacity

Maximum Number of individuals an environments resources can sustain

J Curve

The population will grow rapidly in ideal conditions (Exponential)

S Curve

Normal population control as it reaches carrying capacity (Logistical)

Population

A group of organisms from the same species living in the same area

Community

All interacting populations of different species living in the same area at the same time

Albedo

How much sunlight is reflected back into space

Greenhouse gases

Certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun

Non-Renewable Energy

Sources can’t be replaced and have a limited supply

Renewable Energy

Sources are not limited and produce very little pollution

Invasive Species

Any organism purposely or accidentally introduced into a new ecosystem

Primary Succession

Type of succession that starts with bare rock

Secondary Succession

Type of succession that starts with soil

Climax Community

The final community in succession