Introduction To Ecology Flashcards
What is ecology?
The study of abundance and distribution of organisms in relation to other organisms and environmental conditions
Ecological patterns are driven by…
Abiotic and biotic factors
Interactions between organisms and the environment affect the…
Distribution of species
Distributions are consequences of both…
Behavioral Factors and evolutionary history
Thinking like an ecologist
Where so species occur?
Why do species occur where they do?
What ecological factors determine their distribution?
Intersection of ecology and evolution example
Caterpillars with body color that better matches the twig is less likely to be eaten
If color is heretiable, subsequent generations of caterpillars will have more and more individuals better matched to twig color
Color is an adaptation against predators
What is dispersal?
Movement of individuals or gametes away from their area of origin or from centers of high population density
Contributes to the global distribution of organisms
Factors that affect species distribution
Dispersal
Biotic factors
Abiotic factors
What is range expansion?
When animals reach an area they did not exist previously
Example of range expansion
Cattle egret immigrated from Africa to Northern South America and then migrated to North America
What are species transplants?
Introduced species (intentional or accidental) provide opportunity to study dispersal
If a transplant is successful in new area can conclude that…
It’s potential range of a species is larger than the actual range
What is invasive species?
An organism that is not indigenous or native to a particular area
Examples of invasive species?
honeysuckle, kudzu, pythons, zebra muscle, lion fish, bamboo, goldfish, rats, rabbits and dandelions
Invasive species are a huge threat to…
Native wildlife
What is range expansion (natural)?
When organisms reach an area they did not exist previously
