Environmental Systems Flashcards
Evolution
Change over time
Gene
A sequence of DNA that codes for a particular trait
Mutation
A change in DNA
Genetic Drift
Biological evolution that occurs by chance
Natural Selection
The processes by which traits that improve an organism’s chances for survival reproduction are passed on more frequently to offspring than those who don’t
Niche
An organism’s habitat, resource use, and fundamental role in society
Tolerance
The ability to survive and reproduce under changing environmental conditions
Resource Partitioning
A process that allows different species to share common resources
Predation
The process by which individuals of one species hunt, capture, and feed on individuals of another species
Coevolution
The process by which two species evolve in response to changes in one another
Parasitism
A relationship between two organisms from different species in which one organism depends on the other for some form of nourishment or some other benefit
Symbiosis
A long term and physically close relationship between two organisms from different species in which at least one organism benefits. Commensalism, parasitism and mutualism are all forms of symbiotic relationship
Mutualism
A relationship between two organisms from different species in which both organisms benefit
Commensalism
A relationship between two organisms from different species in which ones benefits and the other is unaffected
Primary Producer
An organism that can capture energy from the sun or chemicals and store it, also called autotroph
