Lecture 6

Question 1

Diffusion

Answer 1

“gradual spread or movement of species or populations from one area to another over time”

Question 2

Dispersal

Answer 2

“the movement of individuals or propagules away from their original location to establish new populations in different areas”

Question 3

Dispersal limitation

Answer 3

“the constraint imposed on the colonization or distribution of a species due to the inability of individuals or propagules to reach suitable habitats”

Question 4

Habitat election

Answer 4

the process by which organisms, both animals and plants, choose and occupy scientific habitats that suit their needs for survival, growth, and reproduction”

Question 5

Ecological tolerance

Answer 5

“ability of an organism to endure under certain environmental conditions”

Question 6

Fundamental niche

Answer 6

“range of abiotic conditions in which a species can potentially survive and reproduce”

Question 7

Realized niche

Answer 7

“the actual range of environmental conditions and resources that a species occupies in the presence of biotic interactions and competition with other species.”

Question 8

Niche overlap

Answer 8

occurs when multiple species share similar ecological requirements
* potentially leadings to increased competition
* often influencing the realized niches of one or both of those species

Question 9

Resource partitioning

Answer 9

the division of limited resources among coexisting species in a way that reduces competition.