Principles of Ecology Exam 1 Flashcards
What is Ecology (textbook definition)
Study of abundance and distribution of organisms in relation to other organisms and environmental conditions
What is Ecology (Dr. Bednarz likes this one)
Study of interactions of organisms with other organisms and the environment; the processes of interactions and the patterns they produce
INTERspecific
Relationship between other groups
Example: lion and gazel
INTRAspecific
Relationship within the same groups
Example: lion and lion
Hierarchy of Organizations (5)
A living individual Population Community Ecosystem Biosphere
Examples of A living individual
Hawk/ Tree
Define Population and give an example
All individuals of a particular (same) species living in the same area.
Example: lemurs
Define Community and give an example
Group of interacting species (different) living in the same place
Example: the serengeti
Define Ecosystem and give an example
All organisms living in a particular area and the physical components with which
Example: a pond
Define Biosphere and give an example
All environments on Earth that support life
Example: Earth
Ecological systems
Biological entities that have their own internal processes and interact with their surrounding
What are the different levels of studying Ecology (5)
Individual approach Population approach Community approach Ecosystem approach Biosphere approach
What is the Individual approach
Understands how adaptations, or characteristics and an individuals morphology, physiology, and behavior enable it to survive in an environment.
(for example a Zebra and its stripes)
What is the Population approach
Examines variation in the number, density, and composition of individuals over time and space
What is the Community approach
Understands the diversity and interactions of organisms living together in the same space
What is the Ecosystem approach
Describes the storage and transfer of energy and matter
What is the Biosphere approach
Examines movements of energy and chemicals over the Earths surface
What is the first law of thermodynamics
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but can be converted
What is Phenotype
an attribute of an organism (physical characteristics)
What is Genotype
the set of genes an organism carries determines organisms phenotype
What is Evolution
Change in genetic composition
What is Natural selection
Change in frequency of genes in a population through differential survival and reproduction of individuals that possess certain phenotypes
What are the 3 requirements of Natural selection
- Individuals vary in traits
- traits are heritable
- variation in traits causes some individuals to experience higher fitness ( survival/ reproduction)
First organisms were?
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes do not have
membrane bound organelles
Eukaryotes have
membrane bound organelles
where is Archaea found?
Harsh environments; such as, hot springs… etc..
autotrophs?
Convert simple molecules into complex organic compounds
Heterotrophs?
obtain their energy form other organisms
Mixotrophs?
Switch between being producers and consumers
Scavengers?
Consume dead animals
Detritivores?
Breakdown dead animals
Decomposers?
Breakdown detritus further for recycling
EX: fungi and bacteria
Categorize as a PRODUCER OR CONSUMER?
Autotrophs Heterotroph Mixotroph Scavengers Detritivores Decomposers
What is PREDATION?
an organism kills and consumes an individual