34.4-34.7 Flashcards
What is the fundamental goal of ecology in 34.4
Explaining the distribution of organisms.
How can animals be distributed?
Evolve from an ancestor who lived there, or moved somewhere else and survived. Ex latter. antelope in North America, only distantly related to those in Africa
define allele
one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
How did these antelopes adapt to their environment’s temepratures
Their hair can both insulate and let heat escape. They can forage in all weather. (abiotic adaptation)
What does a biotic environment consist of?
Predator and prey, plants
define cellulose
an insoluble substance which is the main constituent of plant cell walls and of vegetable fibers such as cotton. It is a polysaccharide consisting of chains of glucose monomers.
How did the antelopes develop to meet the biotic demands of their environment?
Their teeth are specialized for eating the plants that grow there. Their stomachs can digest cellulose in these plants. They used to have fast predators, which was what lead to their speed. They can run up to 60 mph. White rump patch can signify that it is time to run if they are being chased by predators. They travel in herds to see this. More, but these are all examples of natural selection to biotic factors.
What would happen if you moved the pronghorns
They would not survive as well, because their adaptions would not help them. They would have to naturally select again.
define hydrothermal vents
locations where seawater meets magma, perpetually dark caves at bottom of ocean.
what are coral reefs dependent on
sunlight
what is the realm with all open water
the pelagic realm
what is the seafloor/substrate realm known as
benthic realm
What is the depth of light penatration
200m/656 ft, marking the photic zone (above), aphotic zone (below)
what is a continental shelf
a submerged part of a continent. Includes both pelagic and benthic realms.
who provides for the sunlit (photic) realm of an ocean/sea?
Photosynthesis is done by phytoplankton (microscopic algae and cyanobacteria) and multicellular algae. Provide energy and carbon for many creatures.
What creatures inhabit the benthic realm in a photic zone?
sponges, burrowing worms, clams, sea anemones, crabs and echinoderms.
Who inhabits the pelagic part of the photic zone?
zooplankton (small, drifting animals): fish, marine mammals.
define biome
A biome is an area classified according to the species that live in that location. biotic Temperature range, soil type, and the amount of light and water are unique to a particular place and form the niches for specific species allowing scientists to define the biome. abiotic
Where are coral reefs found
photic, warm tropical waters, continental shelves
How are coral reefs made
skeletons of cnidarians, multicellular algae encrusted with limestone. Unicellular algae live in corals, providing food.
Who do coral reef support
fish invertebrate
define invertebrate
an animal lacking a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusk, annelid, coelenterate, etc. The invertebrates constitute an artificial division of the animal kingdom, comprising 95 percent of animal species and about 30 different phyla.
Is there light in the aphotic zone?
Yes, just not enough for photosynthesis. This area is also known as the twilight zone. (200-1000 m)
Who is in the twilight zone? Where do they get their food from?
small fish and crustaceans; food sinking from photic zone. Some animals go to surface at night to eat.
What are some adaptions that fish have in the twilight zone?
enlarged eyes to see in dim environment, luminescent organs that attract mates and prey.