topic 1-2 Flashcards
variation
differences in characteristics if organisms caused by genetic and environmental factors
biological diversity
the number and variety of organism in an area
species
a group of organisms that share similar genetic and physical characteristics generally they can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
speciation
the evolution of different species from a single ancestor
structural adaption
an inherited physical characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment
diversity index
a measure of the biological diversity in an area, calculated by dividing the number of runs through the area by the total number of specimens.
population
a particular section group, or type of people or animals living in an area or country
community
an association of different populations of organisms in a particular environment or geographic area.
competition
the struggle among individual organisms for access to a limited resource such as food or territory
niche
the role or characteristics that is undertaken by an organism in an ecosystem
narrow niche
a highly specialized role or characteristic actively undertake by am organisms in an ecosystem.
Herbivore
an animal that feeds on plants
consumer
an organism that feeds on plants or other animals for energy
carnivore
an animal that eats a diet only of meat
decomposer
organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms
broad niche
the roles of characteristics activities filled by generalist organisms
generalists
an organism with generalizes requirement and adaptations that allow it to survive in many different conditions
specialists
a type of organisms that are adapted to very specific environments and has a narrow niche
specialization
adaptions for surviving in very specific environments.
symbiosis
close or long term interactions between two different species
mutualism
a symbiotic relationship between two different organisms, that is beneficial to both
parasitism
where two organisms are in a symbiotic relationship and one benefits and one is harmed.
commensalism
when two organisms are in a symbiotic relationship and one benefits and one stays mutual or not harmed.
