BIOL2250_Ecology_07_Life_History_No_Polls

Phenotypic Plasticity

The ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes under different environmental conditions.

Camouflage Mismatch

Occurs when the timing of seasonal changes in an organism does not align with environmental changes, leading to decreased survival.

Meiosis

A process of cell division that results in gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Outcrossing

The practice of breeding individuals from different populations or genetic backgrounds to increase genetic diversity.

Isogamy

A type of sexual reproduction involving gametes of equal size.

Anisogamy

A type of sexual reproduction involving gametes of different sizes, typically smaller sperm and larger eggs.

Semelparous

An organism that reproduces only once in its lifetime.

Iteroparous

An organism that reproduces multiple times throughout its life.

K-selection

Selection for traits that are advantageous at high population densities, emphasizing stability and competitive ability.

r-selection

Selection for traits that maximize reproductive success in low-density populations, emphasizing rapid reproduction.

Grime's CSR Model

A model categorizing plant species as Competitive, Stress-tolerant, or Ruderal based on their adaptations to environmental factors.

Sequential Hermaphroditism

A phenomenon where an organism can change sex during its lifetime based on environmental or social conditions.

Ethology

The scientific study of animal behavior in natural environments.

Behavioral Ecology

The study of the ecological and evolutionary basis of animal behavior.

Optimal Foraging Theory

The concept that animals will maximize their energy intake per unit of foraging time.

Marginal Value Theorem

A principle that describes how long a forager should stay in a patch before moving to another to maximize energy intake.

Type I Survivorship Curve

A pattern where most individuals survive to old age, typical of species that provide extensive parental care.

Type II Survivorship Curve

A pattern where mortality is constant across all ages, where individuals face a steady risk of dying.

Type III Survivorship Curve

A pattern where most individuals die young, typical for species that produce a large number of offspring with little care.

Net Reproductive Rate (R0)

A measure of the average number of offspring produced per surviving adult in a population.

Extinction Vortex

A process where small population size leads to further declines and increased risk of extinction.

Demographic Stochasticity

The variability in population dynamics due to random fluctuations in birth and death rates.

Allee Effects

Phenomena where population growth rates decrease as population density decreases, making it hard to find mates.