IB ESS Species, Symbiosis, Population Factors
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53 Terms
species
group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile organisms
limitations of the species definition
classification of asexual organisms or organisms that can mate but do not have fertile offspring, infertile organisms
niche
collection of biotic/abiotic resources utilized by organisms
fundamental niche
full range of resources or conditions where an organisms could ideally live
realized niche
restricted version of fundamental niche due to competition or climate change
intraspecific competition
competition among individuals of the same species for resources (mates, shelter)
interspecific competition
competition with another species (food)
competitive exclusion principle
two organisms with the same niche cannot co-exist together indefinitely
resource partitioning
scarce resources are divided in a manner that allows them to be used in different areas (example: Galapagos finches)
boom bust cycle
increase in prey → big increase in predators → overeat → massive decline → repeat
What is the impact of predation on prey on the individual level?
It’s harmful, because the prey is dead
What is the impact of predation on prey on the population level?
It’s helpful, because it lowers intraspecific competition, leads to natural selection and improves genetic stock
what are some adaptations that prey have taken on?
mobility, heightened senses, protective shells/spines, camouflage, chemical defenses, warning colors, poison, mimicry
coevolution
as prey improves, the predators must as well
what defenses do plants have to defend themselves from predators?
poison, spines/thorns, bark/waxy surfaces
parasitism
A type of ecological relationship where one organism benefits (parasite) at the expense of another organism (host).
mutualism
A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from each other. They provide resources, protection, or services, enhancing survival and reproduction.
commensalism
A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.
indicator species
species serves as a sign that something has been disturbed (usually used in aquatic environments)
keystone species
a species that is more important than its abundance/biomass would indicate (term applies to animals only)
trophic cascade
loss of species → domino effect → affects other species
biotic potential
capacity of a population for growth
limits to biotic potential
Factors that restrict the maximum reproductive capacity of a population, such as limited resources, predation, disease, and competition.
environmental resistance
all factors that limit population growth (synonym for limiting factors)
carrying capacity (k)
number of invididuals that can be sustained indefinitely
minimum viable population
minimum population size to support breeding population
The formula used to calculate population change is: (Births + Immigration) - (Deaths + Emigration).
The maximum reproductive capacity of a population under ideal conditions, determined by factors like birth rate, fertility rate, and lifespan.
The maximum threshold of natural resources or conditions that an ecosystem can sustain without causing significant harm to the environment or its inhabitants.
The maximum number of individuals an environment can support without causing long-term damage or depletion of resources.
Factors in the environment that limit the growth, reproduction, or survival of a population. These can include competition for resources, predation, disease, and abiotic factors like temperature and availability of water.
The smallest number of individuals needed for a population to survive and avoid extinction. It ensures genetic diversity and prevents inbreeding depression.
A graph that shows rapid and continuous growth, resembling the shape of a "J." It represents exponential growth, where the rate of increase becomes increasingly rapid over time. Associated with the boom-bust cycle.
A mathematical model used to describe the growth of a population or phenomenon over time. It starts with slow growth, then accelerates as it approaches a midpoint, and finally slows down as it reaches its maximum capacity.
Population density
The number of individuals living in a given area, usually expressed as the number of people per square kilometer or square mile. It helps us understand how crowded or sparsely populated an area is.
Population distribution
The pattern of how people are spread out across a given area, such as a country or continent. It can be clustered, with a high concentration of people in certain areas, or dispersed, with a more even distribution. Factors like geography, resources, and human activities influence population distribution.
Random population distribution
Pattern of population distribution that occurs without any specific order or arrangement. It is characterized by an unpredictable scattering of individuals throughout an area, with no discernible pattern or concentration.
Uniform population distribution
Clumped population distribution