Options: Ecology Flashcards
Limiting factor
a factor that puts an upper limit on the size of the population - limits abundance, growth and distribution
Ex: water, light, temperature, soil type, pH, salinity, mineral nutrients
Ecological niche
the sum total of a species’ use of biotic and abiotic resources in its environment
The fundamental niche
the broadest possible niche a species could POTENTIALLY live, within the boundaries of its limiting factors with no external pressures
The realised niche
the actual mode of existence in which the species is really found
Competitive exclusion
when two species occupy the same niche, the one with the greater selective advantage will out-compete the other, leading (the population’s) extinction from the environment
Parasitism
where one organisms feeds on or off another (derives benefit) and does harm to the other
Ex: tapeworms inside cows or human intestines
Commensalism
Where on organism benefits and the other is unaffected
Ex: remora fish and sharks
Mutualism
a relationship where both parties benefit
Ex: green algae living within fungus - fungus benefits from sugars supplied via photosynthesis and green algae benefits from fungus filament protection
Herbivory
Interaction between a primary consumer and a producer
Predation
Interaction between two living organisms where one, the predator, catches/kills/eats the prey
Reef-building coral’s relationship
Mutualistic symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae
Coral provides protective environment and necessary compounds for photosynthesis
Algae produce oxygen and remove metabolic waste of corals
Keystone Species
A species that has a disproportionate effect within its ecosystem and confers stability on the ecosystem
Ex: sea otter, elephants and parrotfish on the Great Barrier Reef
