Ecology and Interactions

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions in ecology and species interactions.

Cryptic coloration

A form of camouflage that allows an organism to avoid detection by predators.

Batesian mimicry

When a harmless species mimics a harmful one.

Müllerian mimicry

When two or more harmful species resemble each other.

Herbivory

A form of consumption where animals feed on plants.

Parasitism

A relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Commensalism

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Facilitation

An interaction where one species positively affects the survival and reproduction of another without being in direct contact.

Species richness

The number of different species in a given area.

Species abundance

The percentage representation of one species compared to the total species in an ecosystem.

Fundamental niche

The potential ecological niche a species could occupy without limiting factors.

Realized niche

The actual niche a species occupies, considering limiting factors.

Competitive exclusion principle

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist permanently.

Resource partitioning

A process in which species in the same habitat use resources differently to reduce competition.

Density-dependent factors

Factors that have varying effects on a population depending on its density.

Density-independent factors

Factors that affect a population regardless of its density.

Keystone species

A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.

Ecological succession

The process of species change and development after a disturbance.

Primary succession

The series of changes that occur in a previously lifeless habitat.

Secondary succession

The process of change that occurs in an ecosystem after a disturbance while leaving the soil intact.

Demography

The study of populations, including statistics such as birth rates and death rates.

Exponential growth

A growth model where population increases at a constant rate.

Primary production

The total amount of energy produced by primary producers in an ecosystem.

Secondary production

The generation of biomass from consumed food energy in consumers.

Nitrogen cycle

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms essential for life.

Phosphorus cycle

The movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Proximate cause of behavior

The immediate influence that triggers a behavior.

Ultimate cause of behavior

The evolutionary reason why a behavior exists.

Fixed action patterns

Instinctive behavioral sequences that are triggered by specific stimuli.

Kinesis

Non-directional movement in response to a stimulus.

Taxis

Directional movement towards or away from a stimulus.