Ecology individuals and populations Flashcards
What is ecology?
The study of how organisms relate to one another and their environments. Quantitative study of life’s patterns and adaptation to the environment
What are the 3 levels organisms interact with the environment
- Individual
- Population
- Community
What is the individual level?
- Physiological interactions with abiotic environment
- temperature, water, energy
- Behavior of animals which affect physiological interactions
What is the population level?
- Individuals of a species interacting with a group
- Evolution, social interaction, life history, mating
What is the Community level?
Groups of species interacting with each other
Selection drives adaptation of all species in relation to the constant challenges of ?
- Temperature (proper protein function, water balance)
- Water (Required by all organisms, rainfall patterns have major influence on life)
- Energy Acquistion (All life expands energy)
What is Allen’s rule of reduced surface area?
Mammals from colder climates have shorter ears and limbs
What is a population?
A group of individuals in one place and time
What are the 3 characteristics of population ecology?
- Population range
- Pattern of spacing individuals within a range
- How population changes in size through time
What is range?
A populations geographic distribution
What are the 3 types of distribution?
- Uniform
- Random
- Clumped
Dispersal mechanisms can do what?
Determine a populations ability to expand to new areas
What is population demographics?
The quantitative study of populations.
What is generation time?
The average interval between the birth of an individual and the birth of its offspring
What is age structure?
Thye numbers of individuals in different age groups
