AP Biology Buzz Words

Sucession

The progressive replacement of one dominant type of species by another in an ecosystem until a stable climax is reached

Trophic Levels

Any class of organisms that occupy the same position in a food chain

Ex: primary consumers, secondary consumers, etc.

Biomass

The amount of living matter in a given habitat, expressed as the weight of the organisms per unit area or the volume of organisms per volume of habitat

Competitive Exclusion

The dominance of one species over another when both competing for the same resources

Climax Community

A stable mature community in a successive series which has reached equilibrium after having evolved through stages and adapted to its environment

Pioneer Community

A group of organisms that invade a new area in the process of biological succession

Commensalism

A relationship between two species in which one lives on the other without damage to either

Mutualism

A relationship between two species in which both benifit

Limiting Factors

An environmental factor that limits population size

Carrying Capacity

The maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment

Presynaptic Membrane

The part of the cell membrane of an axon terminal that faces the cell membrane of the neuron or muscle fiber with which the axon terminal establishes a synapse

Neuromuscular Junction

The area where the nervous system where neurons and muscles meet

Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Muscle that is connected at either or both extremities and also has connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves

In vitro Fertilization

A technique used to produce an embryo outside the body through sperm and egg which is later implanted into the uterus

Amniocentisis

A surgical procedure for obtaining a sample of amniotic fluid which can be used to diagnose certain genetic defects

Artificial Insemination

The artificial fertilization of an egg by sperm injected into the uterus

Ultrasound

The application of ultrasonic waves to break up swelling or produce imaging of internal structures

CVS

Chorionic Villus Sampling. A prenatal test for detecting birth defects at an early stage of pregnancy, involving removal by needle of fluid from the chorionic villus and the examination of the cells obtained

Chorion

The outermost of the extraembryonic membranes of land vertebrates, contributing to the formation of the placenta in placental mammals

Amnion

The innermost embryonic membrane; the sac in which the embryo is suspended

Hypothalamus