Ecology Ch. 2

Natural Selection

Frequency of genes in a population through differential survival and reproduction of individuals that posses certain phenotypes.

1. Individuals vary in their traits

2. Traits are heritable

3. Variation in traits cause higher fitness for some individuals.

The 3 requirements of Natural Selection

Which bacteria can photosynthesize?

Cyanobacteria

Fungi have

Hyphae; extract nutrients from dead or living tissues. Many are plant mutualist.

Animals rely on

The consumption of other organisms for resource.

Organism that convert chemical energy into resources.

Producers (Plants & algae)

Obtain their energy from other organisms.

Consumers/Heterotrophs

Can switch between being a producer or consumer.

Mixotrophs

Consumes dead animals

Scavengers

Breaks down dead organic matter into smaller particles (detritus).

Detrivores

Breaks down detritus into simpler elements that can be recycled

Decomposer

An organism kills and consumes an indivual

Predation

One organism lives in or on an organism

Parasitism

One organism consumes producers

Herbivory

When two organisms depend on the same resource and has a negative affect on each other.

Competition

When two organisms benefit from each other

Mutualism

When two species live in close association and one receives a benefit.

Commensalism

Specific range of biotic and abiotic conditions that an organism ca tolerate ; organisms have unique phenotype that determine this.

Niche

The scientific method

1. Observation

2. Hypothesis

3. Test hypothesis

4. Repeat