Bio test

What is ecology?

The study of how organisms interact with their environment.

What are the four levels of ecological organization?

Organismal, population, community, and ecosystem.

What does biogeography study?

The geographic distribution of species and abiotic influences.

What are endemic species?

Species found only in a specific geographic region.

What is Net Primary Productivity (NPP)?

Biomass produced by photosynthesis minus what plants use for respiration.

Name the 8 major terrestrial biomes.

Tropical wet forest, savanna, subtropical desert, chaparral, temperate grassland, temperate forest, boreal forest, arctic tundra.

What defines aquatic biomes?

Saltwater or freshwater; key abiotic factors include sunlight, water density, and temperature.

Name two important marine ecosystems.

Coral reefs and estuaries.

What causes modern climate change?

Burning of fossil fuels increasing greenhouse gases.

What is population density?

Number of individuals per unit area.

What are the 3 survivorship curve types?

Type I (low early mortality), Type II (constant mortality), Type III (high early mortality).

What is semelparity vs. iteroparity?

Semelparity: reproduce once; iteroparity: reproduce multiple times.

What does carrying capacity (K) represent?

Maximum population size the environment can sustain.

What are density-dependent vs. density-independent factors?

Density-dependent: affect population based on size (e.g., disease); independent: unrelated to size (e.g., disasters).

What are r-selected species?

High reproduction, low care, short lifespan.

What are K-selected species?

Low reproduction, high care, long lifespan.

What is the Competitive Exclusion Principle?

No two species can occupy the same niche indefinitely.

Define mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Mutualism: both benefit; commensalism: one benefits, one unaffected; parasitism: one benefits, one harmed.

What is a conceptual model in ecosystem studies?

Illustrates flow of energy/materials and relationships between organisms.

Name the trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Producers → Primary consumers → Secondary consumers → Tertiary consumers.

What percentage of energy is typically passed to the next trophic level?

About 10%.

Name three ecological pyramids.

Energy pyramid, biomass pyramid, numbers pyramid.

What are the steps in the nitrogen cycle?

Nitrogen fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification, denitrification.

Which biogeochemical cycle lacks an atmospheric component?

Phosphorus cycle.

What are the four types of biodiversity?

Species, genetic, chemical, ecosystem diversity.

Where is biodiversity highest?

In tropical regions.

What is a major consequence of habitat loss?

Decreased biodiversity.

Name four major threats to biodiversity.

Habitat loss, overharvesting, invasive species, climate change.

What does the ESA stand for and what does it do?

Endangered Species Act; protects threatened and endangered species.

What is a keystone species?

A species with a disproportionate effect on its ecosystem.

What role do zoos play in conservation?

Captive breeding, education, and limited conservation.