B4.2 Ecological niches Flashcards
Biotic interactions
Interactions among living organisms, including competition, predation, and symbiosis
Abiotic factors
Non-living elements of an ecosystem like temperature, sunlight, and soil pH
Ecological Niche
The role and position a species has in its environment; includes interactions and resources
Generalist vs. Specialist Species
Generalists thrive in a wide range of conditions; specialists thrive in a narrow range of conditions
Impact of environment on species distribution
Environmental factors determine where a species can live and reproduce
Photosynthesis
Process by which plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from CO2 and water
Holozoic Nutrition
Nutrition involving ingestion of liquid or solid organic material, digestion, absorption, and assimilation
Mixotrophic Nutrition
Combines autotrophic and heterotrophic methods; seen in organisms like Euglena
Saprotrophic Nutrition
Involves secreting enzymes to decompose organic matter, then absorbing the products
Diversity of Archaea Nutrition
Archaea can use light, oxidation of inorganic/organic compounds for energy
Herbivorous Dentition
Teeth adapted for grinding plant material; flat molars and long incisors
Omnivorous Dentition
Teeth adapted to handle both plant and animal material
Dental Microwear
Small markings on teeth indicating the type of diet an animal had
Dentition in Hominidae
Variation in teeth structure indicating diverse diets among human ancestors
Adaptations in Teeth
Teeth adaptations are crucial for survival, aiding in food consumption
Herbivore Adaptations
Adaptations like specialized teeth and digestive systems for plant consumption
Predator Adaptations
Adaptations for hunting and killing prey, like sharp claws and keen senses
Prey Adaptations
Adaptations for avoiding predators, like camouflage and speed
Plant Adaptations for Light Harvesting
Structures like broad leaves for maximum sunlight absorption
Defensive Adaptations
Mechanisms like thorns and toxic chemicals to deter herbivores
Fundamental Niche
The full potential range of conditions and resources a species could theoretically use
Realised Niche
The actual conditions and resources a species uses, influenced by competition
Competitive Exclusion Principle
Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist at constant population values
Niche Partitioning
Process where competing species use the environment differently to coexist
Effect of Niche Overlap
When species overlap niches, competition increases, potentially leading to the exclusion of one species
