Botany Exam 4 Review

Ecology

The study of interactions between plants, their environment, and other organisms.

Plant Ecology

Explains how plants interact with each other and their environment, and how they adapt to environmental factors.

Organismal Ecology

The study of one individual interacting with its environment.

Example of Organismal Ecology

How a cactus survives in desert conditions.

Population Ecology

The study of a group of the same species interacting with each other.

Example of Population Ecology

A group of deer in a forest.

Community Ecology

The study of populations of several species interacting with one another.

Example of Community Ecology

The interaction of plants, animals, and microorganisms in a forest.

Ecosystem Ecology

The study of community interacting with the environment.

Example of Ecosystem Ecology

A wetland ecosystem with water, plants, and animals interacting.

Landscape Ecology

The study of several ecosystems interacting with one another.

Example of Landscape Ecology

The transition from a forest to a grassland.

Biosphere Ecology

The study of the entire planet’s interactions.

Example of Biosphere Ecology

The effects of climate change on plant species worldwide.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living factors affecting living organisms.

Biotic Factors

Living factors affecting organisms, such as competition and predation.

Factors Affecting Plants

Light, water availability, nutrient availability, and soil texture.

Light

Essential for photosynthesis in plants.

Water

Availability affects plant growth and health.

Nutrient Availability

Essential for growth and reproduction in plants.

Soil Texture

Affects water retention and root growth.

Latitude

Affects temperature, sunlight, and seasons.

Elevation

Affects temperature and air pressure.

Timberline

The edge of the habitat where trees are capable of growing.

Disturbance

Natural events like fires or storms that alter habitats.

Plant Impact on Habitat

Plants can alter light, water, and nutrient availability.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition within the same species for resources.

Self-Thinning

When plants in a crowded population die off to reduce competition.

Facilitation

When one species benefits another.

Species Ranges

Geographic areas where species live.

Disjunct Distributions

Populations separated by geographical barriers.

Edaphic Factors

Soil characteristics that affect plant distribution.

Clumped Distribution Pattern

Individuals are grouped together, often around resources.

Uniform Distribution Pattern

Individuals are evenly spaced, usually due to territoriality.

Random Distribution Pattern

Individuals are dispersed unpredictably.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that become more influential as population size increases.

Density-Independent Factors

Factors that affect populations regardless of size.

Exponential Growth

Rapid population growth without limits, forming a J-shaped curve.

Logistic Growth

Population growth that includes carrying capacity, forming an S-shaped curve.

Carrying Capacity (K)

The maximum population size that the environment can support.

Age/Stage Structure

Distribution of individuals across different ages or life stages.

Life Cycle Graphs

Graphs showing population stages and transitions.

Annuals

Plants that complete their life cycle in one year.

Biennials

Plants that complete their life cycle in two years.

Perennials

Plants that can live for multiple years.

r-Selected Species

Fast-growing species with many offspring and short lifespan.

K-Selected Species

Slow-growing species with fewer offspring and longer lifespan.

Community Ecology

The study of interactions between species within a community.

Mutualism

A mutually beneficial interaction between species.

Commensalism

An interaction where one species benefits without harming the other.

Antagonism

An interaction that is harmful to one participant.

Pollination

Process in which plants benefit from pollinators like bees.

Seed Dispersal

Movement of seeds by animals that benefit from plant fruits.

Protection Mutualisms

Plants provide shelter or food for insects.

Root Associations

Mycorrhizal fungi provide nutrients to plants in exchange for carbohydrates.

Pathogens

Harmful organisms like fungi that can damage plants.

Parasites

Organisms that live off a host, causing harm.

Herbivores

Animals that feed on plants, potentially causing damage.

Tolerance

The ability of a plant to endure adverse conditions.

Compensation

The ability of a plant to regrow after damage.

Overcompensation

Regrowth of a plant that exceeds its original condition.

Resistance

The ability of a plant to prevent or reduce damage.

Mechanical Defenses

Physical structures like thorns that deter herbivores.

Chemical Defenses

Plant toxins that prevent herbivory.

Indirect Defenses

Attracting predators of herbivores to protect itself.

Niches

The role an organism plays in its ecosystem.

Competitive Exclusion

When one species outcompetes another, leading to local extinction.

Niche Partitioning

Species divide resources to reduce competition.

Trophic Levels

The position of organisms in a food chain.

Autotrophs

Organisms that make their own food.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that eat other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter.

Food Chains

Linear paths showing how energy flows through ecosystems.

Food Webs

Complex networks showing interconnections in ecosystems.

Bottom-Up Effects

Influences from lower trophic levels on higher levels.

Top-Down Effects

Influences from higher trophic levels down to lower levels.

Trophic Cascades

Changes in one trophic level affecting the entire ecosystem.

Species Richness

The number of different species in a community.

Relative Abundance

Proportions of each species in a community.

Shannon Diversity Index

A measure of community diversity.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment.

Primary Succession

Development of an ecosystem in an area without soil.

Secondary Succession

Recovery of an ecosystem after disturbance.

Pioneer Species

Early colonizers in primary succession.

Climax Community

A stable and mature community at the end of succession.

Fragmentation

Breaking of habitats into smaller patches.

Edge Effects

Changes in ecological conditions at habitat boundaries.

Connectivity

The degree to which habitats are connected.

Island Biogeography

Study of species richness on islands based on size and distance from mainland.

Net Primary Productivity

The rate at which plants produce biomass.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The cycling of essential elements like carbon and nitrogen.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water in the environment.

Nitrogen Cycle

The process of nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

Biomes

Large ecological areas defined by climate and plant types.

Tropical Forests

Warm, wet areas with high biodiversity.

Savannas

Grasslands with scattered trees.

Deserts

Dry areas with sparse vegetation.

Shrublands

Areas dominated by dense shrubs.

Grasslands

Dominated by grasses, few trees.

Temperate Deciduous Forests

Forests with four seasons and trees that shed leaves.