Unit 3 Populations Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to populations and ecology, based on the lecture notes.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species occupying a given area at a certain time.

Genetics

The study of heredity.

Population Genetics

The study of heredity within a given population.

Species

A group of individuals that have the potential to interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature.

Gene Pool

All the genes in all the members of a population at one time.

Evolution

The gradual change in the frequency of genes in a gene pool.

Natural Selection

The process where some traits are better equipped for survival in a given environment.

Variation

Differences between individuals of the same species.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A condition under which allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene.

Genotypes

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Recessive Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype only when two copies are present.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biotic Potential

The maximum reproductive capacity of an organism under optimal environmental conditions.

Environmental Resistance

All factors that limit population growth.

Symbiosis

Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of different species.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of the same species.

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Commensalism

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Primary Succession

Ecological succession that begins in a lifeless area with no soil.

Secondary Succession

Ecological succession that occurs in an area where a community that previously existed has been removed.