Unit 1 Flashcards
Biotic
Living parts of the environment
Living parts of the environment
Biotic
Abiotic
Nonliving parts of the environment
Nonliving parts of the environment
Abiotic
Population
Includes members of the same species living in the same area, they can interbreed
Includes members of the same species living in the same area, they can interbreed
Population
Community
Refers to all the different populations in an area
Refers to all the different populations in an area
Community
Ecosystem
The community plus the nonliving factors and the interactions between the two
The community plus the nonliving factors and the interactions between the two
Ecosystem
Biome
A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat with characteristics precipitation and temperature
A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat with characteristics precipitation and temperature
Biome
Biosphere
Part of earth that holds life
Part of earth that holds life
Biosphere
Ecology
The study of interactions of organisms with other organisms and with the physical environment
The study of interactions of organisms with other organisms and with the physical environment
Ecology
Is energy an open or closed system, input & output
Open
Input: solar radiation
Output: heat, energy, reflected light
Is matter an open or closed system
Closed
Input: no (major) input
Output: no (major) output
Gaia hypothesis
All living and nonliving factors on earth are connected & the earth maintains its own homeostasis/equilibrium
Estuary
Place where salt and freshwater meet
Place where salt and freshwater meet
Estuary
Symbiotic relationships
How different organisms interact and who benefits
How different organisms interact and who benefits
Symbiotic relationships
Mutualism
Relationships that benefits both organisms (both benefit + +)
Relationships that benefits both organisms (both benefit + +)
Mutualism
Commensalism
Relationship that benefits organism & doesn’t impact the other (one benefits, other neutral + 0)
Relationship that benefits organism & doesn’t impact the other (one benefits, other neutral + 0)
Commensalism
Parasitism
One benefits, other harmed + -
Endoparasitism
Parasites living inside hosts
Parasites living inside hosts
Endoparasitism
Ectoparasitism
Parasites living outside hosts
Parasites living outside hosts
Ectoparasitism
Predation
One organism using another as an energy source (one benefits, other harmed + -)
One organism using another as an energy source (one benefits, other harmed + -)
Predation
Competition
Organisms fighting over a resource (both harmed - -)
Organisms fighting over a resource (both harmed - -)
Competition
Intraspecific
Between the same species
Interspecific
Between different species
Between the same species
Intraspecific
Between different species
Interspecific
Amensalism
Association between organisms of two different species in which one is inhibited or destroyed and the other is unaffected
Association between organisms of two different species in which one is inhibited or destroyed and the other is unaffected
Amensalism
Positive feedback
a product is amplified after events take place
ex. Predator eats prey → makes more predators through reproduction
a product is amplified after events take place
ex. Predator eats prey → makes more predators through reproduction
Positive feedback
Negative feedback
a product returns to normal after events take place
ex. Predator eats prey → prey population falls → no food → decrease in predator population
a product returns to normal after events take place
ex. Predator eats prey → prey population falls → no food → decrease in predator population
Negative feedback
Competitive exclusion principle
no two species can occupy the same niche
no two species can occupy the same niche
Competitive exclusion principle
Niche
a certain way of life and typical behavior of a species
where it lives, how it builds a nest, when it mates, what it eats, how it hunts
a certain way of life and typical behavior of a species
where it lives, how it builds a nest, when it mates, what it eats, how it hunts
Niche
resource partitioning/niche partitioning
every species has their own needs which reduces competition
every species has their own needs which reduces competition
resource partitioning/niche partitioning
Keystone species
If you remove the species, the entire ecosystem will collapse
If you remove the species, the entire ecosystem will collapse
Keystone species
Native species
Those that normally live and thrive in a particular community
Those that normally live and thrive in a particular community
Native species
Non-native species
Those that migrate, deliberately or accidentally introduced to a community
Those that migrate, deliberately or accidentally introduced to a community
Non-native species
Indicator species
Species that serve as early warnings of damage to a community or an ecosystem & show how healthy an ecosystem is
Species that serve as early warnings of damage to a community or an ecosystem & show how healthy an ecosystem is
Indicator species
Umbrella species
species scientists target to conserve because we need it to protect other species
species scientists target to conserve because we need it to protect other species
Umbrella species
Green world hypothesis
predators keep hervivotes in check
Trophic cascades
predator controls distribution of animals
predator controls distribution of animals
Trophic cascades
4 effects of invasive species
alter the ecosystem
destroy forests and crops
reduce the beauty or use of the land
introduction of diseases & health risks
3 ways to control invasive species
chemical control (pesticides)
mechanical control (weapons)
biological control (bioengineering/bringing the predator species)
First law of thermodynamics
Energy is neither created nor destroyed but it can change from one form to another
Energy is neither created nor destroyed but it can change from one form to another
First law of thermodynamics
First law of thermodynamics in relation to ecology
When an organism needs biologically useable energy, it must cover it from an energy source such as the sun or food
Second law of thermodynamics
When energy is transferred, the quantity of energy remains the same, but its ability to do work diminishes
When one form of energy is transformed into another, some of that energy is converted into a less usable form of energy, such as heat
When energy is transferred, the quantity of energy remains the same, but its ability to do work diminishes
Second law of thermodynamics
Feedbacks
Adjustments in input rates caused by changes to a system
Adjustments in input rates caused by changes to a system
Feedbacks
Negative feedback loop
System responds to change by returning to its original state, or by decreasing the rate at which the change is occurring
Resists change
System responds to change by returning to its original state, or by decreasing the rate at which the change is occurring
Negative feedback loop
Positive feedback loop
A change in a system is amplified
Another word for producers
Autotrophs
Autotrophs
Organisms that use the sun’s energy to produce useable forms of energy
Organisms that use the sun’s energy to produce useable forms of energy
Autotrophs
Photosynthesis
The process by which producers use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose
The process by which producers use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose
Photosynthesis
Glucose is a form of what type of energy
Potential
Photosynthesis process produces what as a byproduct
Oxygen
Photosynthesis formula
Solar energy + 6H20 + 6CO2 —>
C6H12O6 + 6O2
What do producers use the glucose they produce for
To store energy and build structures such as leaves, stems, and roots
What do other organisms get when they eat producers
They gain energy from the chemical energy contained in plant tissue
Glucose
Cellular respiration
The process by which cells unlock the energy of chemical compounds
The process by which cells unlock the energy of chemical compounds
Cellular respiration
Aerobic respiration
The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water
(Run photosynthesis backwards to recover the solar energy stored in glucose)
The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water
(Run photosynthesis backwards to recover the solar energy stored in glucose)
Aerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration
The process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the absense of oxygen
(Used by organisms such as bacteria living in the mud where oxygen is not available)
Energy + 6H20 + 6CO2 <—— C6H12O6 + 6O2
The process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the absense of oxygen
Anaerobic respiration
Producers both produce and consume _____
and what are they called
Oxygen
Photosynthesis
Cellular respiration
Do producers do cellular respiration
Yes
Another name for consumers
Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs
An organism that is incapable of photosynthesis and must obtain its energy by consuming other organisms
An organism that is incapable of photosynthesis and must obtain its energy by consuming other organisms
Heterotrophs
Another name for Primary consumers
Herbivores
Primary consumers
A consumer that eats producers
A consumer that eats producers
Primary consumer/herbivore
Carnivore
A consumer that eats other consumers
A consumer that eats other consumers
Carnivore
Secondary consumers
Carnivores that eat primary consumers
Carnivores that eat primary consumers
Secondary consumers
Tertiary consumers
Carnivores that eat secondary consumers
Carnivores that eat secondary consumers
Tertiary consumers
Trophic levels
The successive levels of organisms consuming one another
The successive levels of organisms consuming one another
Trophic levels
Food web
A complex model of how energy and matter move between Trophic levels
A complex model of how energy and matter move between Trophic levels
Food web
Scavengers
Organisms that consume dead animals
Organisms that consume dead animals
Scavengers
Detritivores
Organisms that specialize in breaking down dead tissue and waste products into smaller particles
Organisms that specialize in breaking down dead tissue and waste products into smaller particles
Detritivores
Decomposers
Fungi and bacteria that convert organic matter into small elements and molecules that can be recycled back into the ecosystem
Fungi and bacteria that convert organic matter into small elements and molecules that can be recycled back into the ecosystem
Decomposers
Gross primary product (GPP)
The total amount of solar energy that producers in an ecosystem capture via photosynthesis over a given amount of time
(How much photosynthesis is occurring over a period of time)
The total amount of solar energy that producers in an ecosystem capture via photosynthesis over a given amount of time
Gross primary productivity (GPP)
Net primary productivity (NPP)
The energy captured minus the energy respired by producers
The energy captured minus the energy respired by producers
Net primary productivity (NPP)
Equation to find NPP
NPP = GPP - R
What does the measurement of NPP allow us to determine
The productivity of different ecosystems and the change in an evosystem
__% of solar energy striking producers is captured by photosynthesis
1%
__% of solar energy is reflected or passes through producers without being absorbed
99%
__% of GPP lost to respiration
60%
__% of GPP supports the growth and reproduction of producers (NPP).
40%
Biomass
The total mass of all living matter in a specific area
The total mass of all living matter in a specific area
Biomass
Standing crop
The amount of biomass present in an ecosystem at a particular time
The amount of biomass present in an ecosystem at a particular time
Standing crop
Ecological efficiency
The proportion of consumed energy that can be passed from one trophic level to another
The proportion of consumed energy that can be passed from one trophic level to another
Ecological efficiency
Ecological efficiency
The proportion of consumed energy that can be passed from one trophic level to another
of the total biomass available at a given trophic level, only about __% can be converted into energy at the next higher trophic level
10%
Trophic pyramid
A representation of the distribution of biomass, numbers, or energy among trophic levels
A representation of the distribution of biomass, numbers, or energy among trophic levels
Trophic pyramid
Range of tolerance
The limits to the abiotic conditions that a species can tolerate
(Extremes of temperatures, humanity, pH)
The limits to the abiotic conditions that a species can tolerate
Range of tolerance
Fundamental niche
The suite of abiotic conditions under which a species can survive, grow, and reproduce
The suite of abiotic conditions under which a species can survive, grow, and reproduce
Fundamental niche
Realized niche
The range if abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species usually lives
The range if abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species usually lives
Realized niche
Distribution
Areas of the world in which a species lives
Areas of the world in which a species lives
Distribution
Niche generalists
A species that can live under a wide range of abiotic or biotic conditions
A species that can live under a wide range of abiotic or biotic conditions
Niche generalists
Niche specialists
A species that is specialized to live in a specific habitat and to feed on a small group of species
A species that is specialized to live in a specific habitat and to feed on a small group of species
Niche specialists
Are niche generalists or niche specialists more vulnerable to extinction
Niche specialists
Mass extinction
Large numbers of species who went extinct over short periods of time
(There have been 5)
Large numbers of species who went extinct over short periods of time
Mass extinction
Levels of organization
Individual
Population
Community
Ecosystem
Biosphere
Population
The individuals that belong to the same species and live in a given area are a particular time
The individuals that belong to the same species and live in a given area are a particular time
Population
Community
All the populations of organisms within a given community
All the populations of organisms within a given community
Community
Population ecology
The study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease
The study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease
Population ecology
5 characteristics of populations
Size
Density
Distribution
Sex ratio
Age structure
The total number if individuals within a defined area at a given time
Population size
Population density
The number of individuals per unit area at a given time
The number of individuals per unit area at a given time
Population density
What is knowing the population density useful for
It can determine whether a population in a particular location is so dense that it might outstrip its food supply & its useful for hunting/fishing limits
Population distribution
A description of how individuals are distributed with respect to one another
A description of how individuals are distributed with respect to one another
Population distribution
Uniform distributions
Evenly spaced distribution
Evenly spaced distribution
Uniform distribution
Clumped distributions
And how it benefits a population
Living in large groups together (provides enhanced feeding opportunities & protection from predators)
Living in large groups together
(Distribution)
Clumped distribution
How does knowing the sex ratio of a population help
Helps estimate the number of offspring a population will produce in the next generation
Age structure
A description of how many individuals fit into particular age categories in a population
How does knowing the age structure of a population help
Helps predict how rapidly a population can grow
Factors that influence population size can be classified as __________ or __________
Density dependent
Density independent
Limiting resource
& example
A resource that a population cannot live without and that occurs in quantities lower than the population would require to increase in size
(Food, water, nutrients)
A resource that a population cannot live without and that occurs in quantities lower than the population would require to increase in size
Limiting resource
Density-dependent factors
& example
A factor that influences an individual’s probability of survival and reproduction in a manner that depends on the size of the population
(Ex. A smaller population requires less total food so food scarcity will have little effect on the survival of the individuals in small populations but will have a negative effect on a large population)
A factor that influences an individual’s probability of survival and reproduction in a manner that depends on the size of the population
Density-dependent factors
Carrying capacity
The limit of how many individuals in a population the environment can sustain
The limit of how many individuals in a population the environment can sustain
Carrying capacity
Carrying capacity unit
(K)
Density-independent factors
& example
A factor that has the same effect on an individual’s probability of survival and the amount of reproduction at any population size
(Ex. Tornado, hurricanes, floods)
A factor that has the same effect on an individual’s probability of survival and the amount of reproduction at any population size
Density-independent factors
Two factors that determine whether a species will persist in a location
Fundamental niche & interactions with other species
Community ecology
The study of interactions between species
Symbiotic relationships
The relationship between two species that live in close association with each other
Competition, predation, parasitism, herbivory
Four symbiotic relationships
Competition, predation, parasitism, herbivory
The relationship between two species that live in close association with each other
Symbiotic relationships
Competition
The struggle of individuals to obtain a shared limiting resource
The struggle of individuals to obtain a shared limiting resource
Competition
Competitive exclusion principle
The principle stating that two species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist
The principle stating that two species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist
Competitive exclusion principle
Resource partitioning
When two species divide a resource based on differences in their behavior or morphology
When two species divide a resource based on differences in their behavior or morphology
Resource partitioning
Temporal resource partitioning
When two species utilize the same resources but at different times
When two species utilize the same resources but at different times
Temporal resource partitioning
Two types of temporal resource partitioning
Spacial resource partitioning
Morphological resource partitioning
Spacial resource partitioning
When two species reduce competition by using different habitats
Morphological resource partitioning
Evolution of differences in body size/shape
(Beaks different shapes, one useful for crushing seeds, other for catching insects)
Predation
An interaction in which one animal typically kills and consumes another animal
An interaction in which one animal typically kills and consumes another animal
Predation
Parasitoids
A specialized type of predator that lays eggs inside other organisms
A specialized type of predator that lays eggs inside other organisms
Parasitoids
Parasitism
An interaction in which one organism lives on or in another organism
An interaction in which one organism lives on or in another organism
Parasitism
Pathogens
A parasite that causes disease in its host
A parasite that causes disease in its host
Pathogens
Herbivory
An interaction in which an animal consumes a product
An interaction in which an animal consumes a producer
Herbivory
Mutualism
An interaction between two species that increases the chances of survival or reproduction for both species
An interaction between two species that increases the chances of survival or reproduction for both species
Mutualism
Commensalism
A relationship between species in which one species benefits and the other species is neither harmed nor helped
A relationship between species in which one species benefits and the other species is neither harmed nor helped
Commensalism
Keystone species
& example
Species that aren’t very abundant but have large effects on the ecological community
Ex. Beaver, starfish
Species that aren’t very abundant but have large effects on the ecological community
Keystone species
Ecosystem engineer
A keystone species that creates or maintains habitat for other species
Ex. Beaver
A keystone species that creates or maintains habitat for other species
Ecosystem engineer
Gaia hypothesis
All living and nonliving factors on Earth are connected
Self-regulating system which strives to maintain homeostasis
Estuary
Place where salt and freshwater meet
Place where salt and freshwater meet
Estuary
Amensalism
Association between organisms of two different species in which one is inhibited or destroyed and the other is unaffected
Association between organisms of two different species in which one is inhibited or destroyed and the other is unaffected
Amensalism
Endoparasitism
Parasites that live in hosts
Parasites that live in hosts
Endoparasitism
Ectoparasitism
Parasites that live outside hosts
Parasites that live outside hosts
Ectoparasitism
Predator prey interactions what does the chart look like
Prey species increase in number followed by predator species. Then prey species declines, followed by predator species decline
Positive feedback
& example
Product is amplified after events take place
Ex. Predator eats prey —> makes more predators through reproduction
Negative feedback
& example
Product returns to normal after events take place
Ex. Predator eats prey —> prey population falls —> no food —> decrease in predator population
Trophic cascade
When predators limit the density/behavior of prey and enhance the survival of the next lower trophic level
When predators limit the density/behavior of prey and enhance the survival of the next lower trophic level
Trophic cascade
GPP unit
Kcal/m2/yr
What does a high primary productivity indicate
High plant growth = lots of food & shelter for animals
Usually more biodiversity
Detritivores
Decomposers
The theory was established by robert T
Keystone species theory
If similar species each occupy a smaller niche when they live together than they would if they lived alone, they are
Partitioning resources
