Ecology and Evolution: Key Concepts and Species Interactions

Endoparasitic species

Organisms living inside a host organism.

Jim Estes

Scientist studying predator-prey dynamics.

Zoonosis

Disease transmitted from animals to humans.

Biodiversity

Variety of species and ecosystems present.

Biogeography

Study of plant geographic distribution.

Bottleneck Effect

Population reduction leading to genetic diversity loss.

Trypanosoma brucei

Parasite causing African sleeping sickness.

Keystone species

Species crucial for ecosystem structure.

Poaching

Illegal hunting of protected species.

Chagas' Disease

Disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.

Ethologist

Scientist studying animal behavior.

Robert Paine

Researcher on starfish removal impacts.

Ornithologist

Scientist specializing in bird studies.

Entamoeba histolytica

Causes amoebic dysentery in humans.

Pseudopods

Extensions used by Entamoeba coli for feeding.

Herpetologist

Scientist studying reptiles and amphibians.

Natural selection

Non-random process favoring adaptive traits.

Zoomastigophoran

Group of flagellated protozoans, some are parasites.

Ciliophora

Phylum of protozoans with cilia for movement.

Rhizopoda

Class of protozoans that move using pseudopods.

Platyhelminthes

Phylum of flatworms, many are parasitic.

Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria-causing protozoan parasite in humans.

Giardia intestinalis

Flagellated protozoan causing intestinal infections.

Entamoeba histolytica

Amoeba responsible for amoebic dysentery.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Protozoan causing gastrointestinal illness in humans.

Balantidium coli

Ciliated protozoan causing balantidiasis in humans.

Trypanosoma cruzi

Parasite causing Chagas disease, transmitted by bugs.

Gymnosperms

Seed-producing plants without flowers or fruits.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds and fruits.

Monoecious

Species with both male and female reproductive organs.

Parasitic relationship

One species benefits while the other is harmed.

Monophyletic

Group including a common ancestor and all descendants.

Amoebocytes

Cells in sponges responsible for various functions.

Molecular Clock

Method estimating species divergence using genetic data.

Taxonomy

Science of naming and classifying organisms.

Speciation

Evolutionary process forming new biological species.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions in organisms.

Choanocytes

Cells in sponges that facilitate water flow.

Zygote mortality

Failure of zygote to develop into a viable organism.

Macroevolution

Major evolutionary changes at or above species level.

Hibernation

State of inactivity to conserve energy during cold.

Behavioral isolation

Differences in mating behaviors preventing species interbreeding.

Insect bite marks

Signs of insect bites around eyes/mouth.

Mosquito nets

Protective coverings to prevent mosquito bites.

Coma-like sleep

Unresponsive state resembling a coma.

Plasmodium falciparum

Parasite causing malaria, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Avian malaria

Disease caused by Plasmodium in birds.

Anopheles

Genus of mosquitoes transmitting malaria.

California Sea Otter

Critically endangered marine mammal, affected by habitat loss.

Kelp forests

Underwater ecosystems providing habitat for marine life.

Phaeophyta

Phylum containing brown algae, including kelp.

Fragmentation

Breaking larger habitats into smaller, isolated patches.

Ecological niche

Role and space an organism occupies in an ecosystem.

Cysts

Dormant, resistant forms of parasites.

Trophozoites

Active, feeding stage of protozoan parasites.

Giardia lamblia

Protozoan causing gastrointestinal illness, found in contaminated water.

Fecal floatation

Laboratory technique to detect parasite ova in stool.

Cryptosporidium parvum

Protozoan causing diarrhea, often in contaminated water.

Entamoeba histolytica

Parasite causing amoebic dysentery, transmitted via contaminated food/water.

Resource competition

Struggle between species for limited resources.

Fundamental niche

The potential mode of life of a species.

Edge effect

Changes in population or community structures at habitat boundaries.

Nutria

Large semi-aquatic rodents, potential carriers of parasites.

Chlorination

Process of treating water with chlorine to kill pathogens.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between different species for resources.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition among individuals of the same species.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Two species competing cannot coexist indefinitely.

Resource Partitioning

Species divide resources to reduce competition.

Symbiosis

Interdependency among organisms in a relationship.

Biotoxic Buildup

Accumulation of toxins in marine organisms.

Bioaccumulation

Toxic substances increase in organisms over time.

Anthropogenic

Relating to human activity's environmental impact.

Sinister Sextet

Six major threats to global biodiversity.

Overhunting

Excessive hunting leading to species decline.

Habitat Loss

Destruction of natural environments affecting species.

Habitat Fragmentation

Division of habitats into smaller, isolated sections.

Invasion of Non-native Species

Introduction of species not originally from an area.

Domino Effects

Consequences of species interdependence in ecosystems.

Keystone Species

Species with significant impact on ecosystem structure.

Pollution from Chemical Contaminants

Harmful substances threatening species and ecosystems.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Severe illness due to toxin exposure.

Shellfish Disease

Illness caused by consuming toxic shellfish.

Desert Pupfish

Species threatened by pollution in isolated pools.

Nile Perch

Invasive species threatening native fish in Lake Victoria.

Calvaria Major

Tree requiring large animal digestion for seed germination.

Overuse/Exploitation

Unsustainable consumption of natural resources.

Climate Change

Global climate alteration affecting species and ecosystems.

Biogeography

Study of species distribution influenced by climate.

Biomes

Regions defined by ecosystems and plant vegetation zones.

Habitat Loss

Destruction or degradation of natural environments.

Invasive Species

Non-native species disrupting local ecosystems.

Extirpated

Local extinction of a species in a specific area.

Osteon

Basic structural unit of compact bone.

Haversian Canal

Central channel in bone containing blood vessels.

Lacuna

Small cavity in bone housing osteocytes.

Connective Tissue

Tissue type supporting, binding, and protecting organs.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle responsible for body movement.

Nuclei

Cell structures containing genetic material.

Ecology

Study of organism-environment interactions and ecosystems.