Unit 5 Interdependence of Life

Ecological Levels

Hierarchical levels of biological organization: organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, and water.

Biotic Factors

All living organisms within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and bacteria.

Population Size

Total number of individuals in a given population.

Population Density

Number of individuals per unit area or volume.

Distribution Patterns

Spatial arrangement of individuals within a habitat: random, uniform, or clumped.

Exponential Growth

Rapid increase in population size under ideal conditions.

Logistic Growth

Population growth that levels off as it approaches the environment's carrying capacity.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support.

Density Dependent Factors

Factors affecting population size based on density, such as disease, competition, and predation.

Density Independent Factors

Factors impacting populations regardless of density, such as natural disasters or climate change.

Fundamental Niche

The potential mode of existence, including the habitat and resources a species can utilize.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources used by a species due to competition.

Interspecific Competition

Competition that occurs between individuals of different species.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition that occurs among individuals of the same species.

R-strategists

Organisms with high reproduction rates and low parental care, such as insects and rodents.

K-strategists

Organisms with lower reproduction rates and high parental care, such as elephants and humans.

Type I Survivorship Curve

Characterized by high survival rates early in life, typical of humans.

Type II Survivorship Curve

Characterized by a constant mortality rate throughout life, common in birds.

Type III Survivorship Curve

Characterized by high mortality rates early in life, typical of oysters.

Progressive Population Pyramid

Broad base indicating rapid population growth.

Stable Population Pyramid

Even age distribution indicating population stability.

Regressive Population Pyramid

Narrow base indicating a declining population.