Ecology and Biology Key Terms: Conservation, Marine Life, and Animal Behavior

Arid

Having little to no rain

Pollination

The transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower, or plant to allow fertilization

Conservation Biologist

Protects endangered species habitats

Turquoise Gecko

Small lizard who lives in the Tanzania forest

Paleontology

Study of fossils

Seagrass

Marine plant that protects coastlines from erosion and is home to fish

Lymphatic Filariasis

Disease from mosquitoes that causes extreme swelling in the limbs

Insurance Populations

Species kept in zoos in case they disappear in the wild

Migration

Movement of individuals or populations from one geographical location to another

Vicariance

Geographical separation of a large group of organisms from a population

Environmental Loopholes

Temporary environmental conditions that reduce predation pressure and increase survival of early life stages in aquatic organisms (larvae/juveniles)

Diurnal

Organisms that are active during the daylight hours and sleep or rest at night

Vocal learning

The ability to learn & imitate sounds (especially signature whistles), so they can communicate with specific individuals in their social group

Acoustic communication

Communication using sound; dolphins rely on whistles & clicks instead of visual or verbal language

Echolocation

The biological sonar system used by dolphins (and bats) to navigate and hunt

Keystone Species

A species whose presence and activities have a disproportionately large effect on the rest of its ecosystem relative to its abundance

Predatory fish

Classic apex predator, they help maintain balance in the ecosystem

Herbaceous fish

Control algae build up

Thermocline

A layer in the ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth

Epibiosis

A relationship where one organism grows on the surface of another living organism