C4.1 Populations and communities Flashcards
Population
A group of organisms of the same species, typically interbreeding and sharing a common gene pool
Random Sampling
An unbiased sampling method giving each individual an equal chance of being chosen
Sampling Error
The discrepancy between an estimated value and the true value of population size
Quadrat Sampling
A technique to estimate population size of sessile organisms using a square frame
Capture-Mark-Release-Recapture
A method to estimate population size of motile organisms, involving capturing, marking, releasing, and recapturing individuals
Carrying Capacity
The maximum population size an environment can sustain
Density-Dependent Factors
Factors influencing population size that are affected by population density
Density-Independent Factors
Factors influencing population size that are not affected by population density
Exponential Growth
Population increase in an environment with unlimited resources and no competition
Sigmoidal Growth
Population growth that occurs when limited resources restrict growth rate
Intraspecific Competition
Competition for resources among members of the same species
Intraspecific Cooperation
Collaborative interactions within a species that aid survival and reproduction
Social Behavior
Cooperative interactions in a species, like bees working in a colony
Territoriality
Individuals or groups defending a territory to access resources
Altruism
Behavior benefiting other individuals at the cost to oneself
Mutualism
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit
Parasitism
A relationship where one species (the parasite) benefits at the host’s expense
Herbivory
Interaction where herbivores feed on plants
Predation
Interaction where a predator hunts and kills prey
Competition (Interspecific)
Different species competing for the same resources
Invasive Species
Non-native species that cause harm in new environments
Biological Invasion
The process by which invasive species establish and spread
Impact on Biodiversity
Invasive species can reduce native biodiversity
Competitive Exclusion
Invasive species outcompeting native species for resources
Ecological Imbalance
Invasive species disrupting native ecosystem balance.
Chi-Square Test
A statistical test to determine the association between variables
Null Hypothesis
A default hypothesis that there is no association between variables
Degrees of Freedom
The number of values in a test that are free to vary
Expected Frequencies
Frequencies predicted by a hypothesis for chi-square analysis
P-Value
Probability measure to assess the strength of the results against the null hypothesis
Top-Down Control
Population regulation by predators at higher trophic levels
Bottom-Up Control
Population regulation by resource availability at lower trophic levels
Predator-Prey Dynamics
The interplay between predator and prey populations
Allelopathy
Chemical inhibition of one species by another
Antibiotic Secretion
Microorganisms secreting substances to inhibit competitors
Ecological Modeling
The use of mathematical and computational methods to simulate and predict ecological patterns and processes, aiding in understanding ecosystem dynamics and environmental impacts.
Population Modeling
The use of mathematical models to predict changes in population sizes over time.
Longitudinal Studies
Studies that observe the same subjects over a long period.
Biodiversity Index
A measure to quantify the diversity of species in an area
Indicator Species
Species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition
