Modules 13-15

Question 1

Define species.

Answer 1

A group of organisms that can reproduce with one another in nature and produce fertile offspring.

Question 2

Define population.

Answer 2

The number of people in a single area.

Question 3

Define community.

Answer 3

A group of populations of two or more different species occupying the same geographical area at the same time.

Question 4

Define ecosystem.

Answer 4

All organisms and the physical environment with which they interact.

Question 5

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 5

Maximum population size that an environment can support.

Question 6

What is the density dependent limiting factors acronym?

Answer 6

PANDA

Question 7

What is the density independent limiting factors acronym?

Answer 7

PAW

Question 8

What does PANDA stand for?

Answer 8

Predators
Availability of resources (shelter, water)
Nutrient supply (food source)
Disease/pathogenic spread
Accumulation of wastes

Question 9

What does PAW stand for?

Answer 9

Phenomena (natural disasters)
Abiotic factors (temperature, CO2 levels)
Weather conditions (floods, storms, etc.)

Question 10

What is interspecific interactions?

Answer 10

Interactions between species.

Question 11

What is an ecological niche?

Answer 11

Species’ total use of the biotic and abiotic resources in its environment.

Question 12

What is competitive exclusion?

Answer 12

Two species with very similar ecological niches cannot coexist.

Question 13

What is symbioses?

Answer 13

Close long term interactions between individuals of different species.

Question 14

Explain commensalism?

Answer 14

(+/0). One species benefits; other is neither benefitted or harmed. Ex. Bird nesting in tree.

Question 15

Explain mutualism.

Answer 15

(+/+). Both species benefit. Ex. Coral/animals & flowers/pollinators & clown fish/amenome.

Question 16

Explain predation.

Answer 16

(+/-). Benefit for one, harmful for the other. Ex. Predator/prey.

Question 17

Explain herbivory.

Answer 17

(+/-). Consumption of plant parts or algae by an animal.

Question 18

Explain parasites/pathogens.

Answer 18

(+/-). Good for parasites; bad for hosts.

Question 19

What are pathogens?

Answer 19

Disease causing bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protists.

Question 20

What is a foundation species?

Answer 20

“Bedrock” species that has the greatest influence on community structures; usually abundant. (Often a producer).

Question 21

What is a keystone species?

Answer 21

Species with extra influence in maintaining prevalence of species, community structures, and sometimes biodiversity. (Not abundant, not producer).

Question 22

What is energy flow?

Answer 22

The passage of energy through the components of the ecosystem.

Question 23

What is chemical (nutrient) cycling?

Answer 23

Use and reuse of chemical elements like carbon and nitrogen.

Question 24

What is biodiversity?

Answer 24

Diversity of living things.

Question 25

Describe energy flow through trophic levels.

Answer 25

Producer»consumer»secondary consumer»possibly higher-level consumers