EV1005 - L4 Ecology and Environmental Change Flashcards
Define ecology
The study of how organisms interact with their living and non-living environment
Define biotic
Living organisms
Define abiotic
Non-living substances or forces
Define species
Organisms that are genetically similar enough to breed and produce fertile ofspring
Define population
A group of individuals of the same species living in a particular place at the same time
Define habitat
the place where an individual or population normally lives. Its “address”
Define niche
the role that an organism plays in an ecosystem. Its “profession”
What causes niche divergence?
If 2 species share the same resource, one will eventually take a greater share of it and the other adapts to obtain another resource (or dies out)
What are 2 examples of niche divergence?
Lions and Leopards - Lions take the larger
prey
Swallows and Bats - Swallows catch insects during the day and bats at night
Define ecosystem
a community of different species interacting with each other and with abiotic environment
What does an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) determine
The presence or absence of threatened species
When is an environmental Impact Statement needed?
When proposing to develop new land. eg. housing estates, golf courses, mines
How does complexity of a community/ecosystem effect conservation attempts?
more complex communities/ecosystems are harder to obtain information on all the factors contributing to the health of them and impacts are harder to predict because of the complex food webs
What is a keystone species?
A species whose activities affect some fundamental ecosystem processes. eg dung beetles removing and burring dung. Cassowaries dispersing seeds
What is an indicator species?
An organism indicative of a particular environment or set of environmental conditions. An “environmental canary”. eg. trout need clean water with high oxygen
What is an umbrella species?
A species whose occupancy area (plants) or range (animals) are large enough and whose habitat requirements are large enough that their protection will help other animals be protected. eg. orangutans
What is a flagship species?
A popular, charismatic species that serves as a symbol and rallying point to stimulate conservation awareness and action. eg. panda (WWF), elephants
Define anthropocentric change
Change made by humans. eg. development, mining, agriculture
What are examples of aperiodic environmental change? (3)
Cyclones
Tsunamis
Fires
What are examples of pervasive or regular environmental change? (3)
Global warming
Increased CO2
Downstream inpacts
What are the 3 responses to environmental change?
Stay and adapt
Move
Die out
What influences a species ability to cope with change? (4)
Population size
Population density
Dispersion
Magnitude and scale of impact
What defines an r selected species? (6)
Many offspring Small offspring Little or no parental care Opportunistic breeders Large fluctuations on population size Often prey
What defines a K selected species? (6)
Reproduce late in life Have few young Larger animals Longer lifespans High parental care Often predators
Which is more capable of adapting to change?
A) r-selected species
B) K-selected species
r-selected species
Which is more genetically diverse?
A) r-selected species
B) K-selected species
r-selected species
Which are more commonly pests?
A) r-selected species
B) K-selected species
r-selected species
Which is population is commonly closer to carrying capacity?
A) r-selected species
B) K-selected species
K-selected species
Which re most vulnerable to extinction?
A) r-selected species
B) K-selected species
K-selected species
Define biodiversity
The variation of life forms within a given ecosystem
