Ecology: Species Interactions and Biodiversity

Specialists

Species with narrow ecological niches.

Generalists

Species with broad ecological niches.

Competition

Interaction where species vie for resources.

Predation

One species hunts and consumes another.

Herbivory

Consumption of plants by animals.

Parasitism

One organism benefits at another's expense.

Mutualism

Both species benefit from the interaction.

Commensalism

One species benefits; the other is unaffected.

Trophic Levels

Hierarchical levels in an ecosystem's food chain.

10% Rule

Only 10% of energy transfers between trophic levels.

Keystone Species

Species crucial for maintaining ecosystem structure.

Apex Predators

Top predators with no natural enemies.

Trophic Cascades

Chain reactions in ecosystems from predator removal.

Community Stability

Ability of a community to resist change.

Disturbances

Events that disrupt ecosystem structure or function.

Primary Succession

Ecological recovery on lifeless surfaces.

Secondary Succession

Recovery after disturbance in an existing ecosystem.

Climax Communities

Stable, mature ecological communities in equilibrium.

Biodiversity

Variety of life forms in an ecosystem.

HIPPCO

Acronym for biodiversity threats: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth, Climate change, Overexploitation.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions with high species diversity under threat.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction.

Threatened Species

Species likely to become endangered soon.

Endangered Species Act

U.S. law protecting threatened and endangered species.

Biomes

Large ecological areas with distinct climates and organisms.

Climatographs

Graphs showing temperature and precipitation of biomes.

Factors Defining Biomes

Climate, soil, vegetation, and geography influence biomes.

Temperature and Precipitation Factors

Latitude, altitude, and ocean currents affect climate.