Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology

Flashcards covering key concepts from the topics of Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology.

Natural selection

The process by which organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce.

Variation

Differences in traits among individuals of the same species.

Adaptation

A heritable trait that increases survival or reproductive success.

Overproduction

Production of more offspring than can survive in the environment.

Competition

The struggle among organisms for limited resources.

Fitness

An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Mutation

A sudden change in the DNA sequence that creates variation.

Environment

External conditions that influence survival and reproduction.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Evolution

Change in populations over long periods of time.

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms in a given area.

Ecosystem

A system composed of living organisms and nonliving components.

Species diversity

The number of different species present in an ecosystem.

Genetic diversity

Differences in genetic traits within the same species.

Keystone species

A species that plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Food web

Interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.

Habitat

The natural home or environment of an organism.

Extinction

The permanent disappearance of a species.

Conservation

Protection and wise use of natural resources.

Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to resist and recover from disturbances.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in an area.

Population density

The number of individuals per unit area.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population size an environment can support.

Exponential growth

Rapid population growth under ideal conditions.

Logistic growth

Population growth that increases then levels off.

Limiting factors

Environmental factors that restrict population growth.

Birth rate

The number of individuals born in a population over time.

Death rate

The number of individuals that die in a population over time.

Immigration

Movement of individuals into a population.

Emigration

Movement of individuals out of a population.