Unit 1 Flashcards
Ecosystem
Location on earth with interacting biotic and abiotic components
Biotic components
Living; such as animals, plants, and bacteria
Abiotic components
Nonliving parts like rocks, soil, and air
Predators
Regulate much larger prey populations
Prey
Evolved behavioral, morphological, and chemical defenses
- hide (behavior)
- camouflage or attack (morphological)
- poisonous (chemical)
Symbiotic relationship
Relationships between biotic factors. At least one species benefits from relationship
- mutualistic
- commensalistic
- parasitic
Mutualism
Both animals benefit
Commensalism
One benefits while the other is unharmed
Parasitism
One benefits while the other is harmed
Resource partition
Divide equally needed resources for both species to survive. Ex : eating different parts of same plant
If two predators for one species ….
Food will be limited and populations of predators will decline
Natural selection
Evolution favoring species with access to more resources
Keystone species
Plays large role in ecosystem despite low population. If removed can have cascading effects on ecosystem, leading to significant changes in abundance and distribution of other species
- sea otter : maintains health of kelp forests (habitat for other species), feed on sea urchins (control pop)
Ecosystem engineers
Special kind of keystone species that create or maintain habitats for other species by altering physical structure of ecosystem. Also shape and maintain biodiversity
- elephants : prevent wildfires and create watering holes for smaller species and stomp down bushes and trees thus providing food for other smaller animals
Biosphere
Part of the earth where life exists, including all living organisms and their interactions with each other & the environment
Ecosystem ecology
Study of how living organisms interact with each other and their physical environment within a specific area. Focus on flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems.
Competition
Occurs when two or more organisms compete for limited resources (food, water, territory, mates)
Predator-Prey Relationship
Dynamic interaction btwn two organisms, where predator hunts and consumes the prey for food
Tropic level
Position of organism in a food chain or web, determined by its source of energy and how it obtains nutrients. Each level represents a different feeding relationship and energy transfer
