Ecology Lecture Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terms from the ecology lecture notes.

Ecological niche

The range of resources that a species can use and the range of conditions that it can tolerate.

Fundamental niche

The range of resources a species could theoretically use if they were not constrained by other factors.

Realized niche

The range of resources a species actually uses due to constraints like competition.

Competitive exclusion

The principle that two species cannot coexist in the same niche because one will outcompete the other.

Niche differentiation

When competing species evolve different niches to reduce competition.

Character displacement

Evolution of different characteristics in species to reduce interspecific competition.

Trophic level

A feeding level in an ecosystem.

Food chain

The pathway of energy flow through species at different trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Decomposer (detritivore)

An organism that consumes dead organic matter.

Primary producer

An organism that creates its own food and is a food source for other species.

Community organization

The arrangement of different species and their interactions in a community.

Ecological disturbance

Any event that changes a community by removing organisms or altering resource availability.

Primary succession

The recovery process that begins in a virtually lifeless area where soil has not yet formed.

Secondary succession

Gradual colonization of a habitat after a major disturbance that leaves the soil intact.

Pioneer species

The first species to appear in recently disturbed areas.

Climax community

The final stable community that results from ecological succession.

Species interactions

Classified by whether they help, harm, or have no effect on the species involved.

Diversity and trophic structure

Key characteristics that define biological communities.

Disturbance influence

The impact of ecological disturbances on species diversity and community composition.