APES-part 1

Ecosystem

a system of connected elements consisting of biotic and abiotic components.

Biotic

living components

Abiotic

Non-living components

evolution

Change in a population’s genetic composition over time

Phylogenetic tree

A graph that describes the evolutionary relationships that exist between two species.

Speciation

How species are created without evolution.

Species

A group of organisms that are capable of breeding with one another and incapable of breeding with other species.

Evolutionary fitness

Organisms that are better adapted for their environment will live and reproduce, ensuring that their genes are part of their populations next generation.

Natural selection

When beneficial characteristics that can be inherited are passed down to the next generation.

Selective pressure

A cause that reduces reproductive success in a portion of the population.

Gene pool

The genetic makeup of the population.

Genetic drift

The accumulation of changes in the frequency of alleles over time due to sampling errors.

micro-evolution

When a population displays small-scale changes over a relatively short period of time.

Macro-evolution

Large-scale patterns of evolution within change and all members of the species die.

Extinction

when a species cannot adapt quickly enough to environmental change and all members of the species die.

Biological extinction

occurs when a species no longer exists anywhere in the world, often due to factors like habitat loss, climate change, or human activity.

Ecological extinction

a situation where a species is no longer able to play its ecological role in an ecosystem, despite existing in small numbers.

Commercial/economic extinction

occurs when a species remains extant but is no longer viable for commercial harvesting due to population decline, rendering it unprofitable.

Population

the number of individuals of a species living in a specific area, which can influence species interactions and ecosystem health.

Community

a group of populations of different species that interact with each other in a specific environment, sharing resources and influencing each other's abundance and distribution.

Niche

the role or function of a species within its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

Habitat

the natural environment where a species lives, which provides food, shelter, and other resources necessary for survival.

Specialist

a species that has a narrow niche, requiring specific conditions and resources to thrive.

Generalist

a species that has a broad niche, able to thrive in a variety of conditions and utilize a wide range of resources.

Competition

the interaction between species or individuals in which they vie for the same resources, such as food, space, and mates, leading to a struggle for survival.

Intraspecific competition

competition occurring between individuals of the same species for resources.

Interspecific Competition

competition between different species for resources.

competitive exclusion

the principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist at constant population values; one species will outcompete the other.

Gause’s principle

states that when two species compete for the same resources, one will inevitably dominate and the other will be excluded.

Realized niche

the actual conditions and resources in which a species exists, considering the presence of competing species.

Fundamental niche

the full range of environmental conditions and resources that a species is theoretically capable of using, without the influence of competition or other limiting factors.

Resource partitioning

the division of resources by different species to reduce competition and allow coexistence.

Predation

the interaction where one organism hunts and feeds on another organism.

Symbiotic relationship

a close interaction between two different species where at least one benefits, such as mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism.

Mutualism

a type of symbiotic relationship where both species involved benefit from the interaction.

Commensalism

a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Parasitism

a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other, often harming it.

Biomes

large ecological areas on the Earth's surface, characterized by specific climates, plants, and animals.

Aquatic life zones

water-based ecosystems that support diverse organisms, including freshwater and marine environments.

Ecotones

transitional zones between two biomes, featuring unique species and environmental conditions.

Ecozones

broad regions defined by climate, flora, and fauna, encompassing multiple biomes and ecosystems.

Deciduous forest

a forest characterized by trees that lose their leaves seasonally, typically found in temperate regions. Has rich soil with high organic content.

Tropical rainforest

a forest found near the equator, characterized by high rainfall, diverse species, and lush vegetation. Has poor soil and have plants that adapt to low light intensity.

Grasslands

biomes dominated by grasses, with few trees, often found in regions with limited rainfall. They have fertile soil and support diverse herbivores and grasses. has rich soil.

coniferous forest/ Taiga

a forest dominated by conifer trees, which retain their needles year-round. Typically found in colder climates with acidic, nutrient-poor soil.

tundra

a cold, treeless biome found in polar regions and high mountains, characterized by a short growing season, permafrost, and low biodiversity. Low rainfall

Scrubland

a biome characterized by drought-resistant shrubs and sparse vegetation, found in regions with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Desert

a biome defined by low precipitation, extreme temperature variations, and sparse vegetation, typically found in arid regions. little rain

Temperate rainforest

a biome characterized by high rainfall, mild temperatures, and a diverse array of plant and animal species, typically found in coastal regions. rich soil.

Savanna

a biome characterized by grasslands with scattered trees, warm temperatures, and seasonal rainfall, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. soil is porous.