Vocab Flashcards

1
Q

Population ecology

A

The study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease

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2
Q

Age structure

A

A diagram used to predict how a population would grow over the next few years

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3
Q

Intrinsic growth rate

A

A populations maximum for potential growth

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4
Q

Exponential growth model

A

Produces a j-shaped curve

Not limited by density dependent factor

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5
Q

Density dependent

A

Factors that limit a population

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6
Q

Carrying capacity

A

Used to describe a populations upper limit

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7
Q

Logistic Growth Model

A

Produces a S-shaped curve

Will reach an upper limit called its carrying capacity

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8
Q

Overshoots

A

Describes a population beyond its carrying capacity

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9
Q

Die-offs

A

Describes a population below its carrying capacity

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10
Q

R-selected species

A

A species capable of rapid exponential growth

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11
Q

K-selected species

A

A species limited by resources and competition

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12
Q

Type I survivorship curve

A

High survival through most of an individuals life span, but then individuals start to die in large numbers as they approach old age. (Elephants)

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13
Q

Type II survivorship curve

A

A relatively constant decline in survivorship throughout most of the individuals life span. (Birds)

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14
Q

Type III survivorship curve

A

Low survivorship early in life with few individuals reaching adulthood (Dandelions)

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15
Q

Intraspecific

A

Competition between members of the same species

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16
Q

Interspecific

A

Competition between 2 or more species for the same limited resource

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17
Q

Competitive exclusion

A

When 2 species competing for the same limiting resource cannot coexist

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18
Q

Resources partitioning

A

Utilizing limited resources at different times or places

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19
Q

Predation

A

Occurs when a predator feeds on all or part of another organism known as its prey

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20
Q

Co-evolution

A

Occurs when species interact over a long period of time and influences changes in each other’s gene pools

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21
Q

Parasitism

A

When one organism gains energy by living on or inside a host organism

22
Q

Mutualism

A

When 2 organisms interact in a manner that is beneficial to both

23
Q

Commensalism

A

When an interaction benefits one species but has little to no impact on the other (lichen)

24
Q

Ecological succession

A

The gradual change in species abundance and diversity after unpredictable events

25
Q

Primary succession

A

The establishment of a biotic community from a previously lifeless terrain

26
Q

Secondary succession

A

Where a disturbance in the ecosystem has damaged or removed part of the established community but leaves the soil in place

27
Q

Pioneer species

A

First to move into the ecosystem and begin the colonization process

28
Q

Biodiversity

A

Refers to the variety of species, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they live in.

29
Q

Natural capital

A

Examples include food, fuel wood, energy, and medicines

30
Q

Species richness

A

The number of species in a given area

31
Q

Species evenness

A

The relative proportion of different species in a given area

32
Q

Mutation

A

Random changes in the DNA of a cell

33
Q

Genetic diversity

A

Variability in the genetic makeup among individuals within a single species

34
Q

Natural selection

A

Results in a population that contains a greater proportion of organisms better adapted to certain environmental conditions

35
Q

Fitness

A

an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce

36
Q

Adaptation

A

Traits that improve an individual’s fitness

37
Q

Geographic isolation

A

When geologic or climatic events separate populations

38
Q

Reproductive isolation

A

An inability to pass new traits between separated populations

39
Q

Speciation

A

The formation of 2 species from one because of divergent natural selection in response to changes in environmental conditions

40
Q

Extinction

A

When an entire species disappears from earth

41
Q

Background extinction

A

Normal extinction of various species

42
Q

Mass extinction

A

A significant rise in extinction rates above the background level

43
Q

Range of tolerance

A

Determines whether an organism is living in its fundamental or realized niche

44
Q

Fundamental niche

A

The suite of abiotic conditions under which a species can survive, grow, and reproduce

45
Q

Realized niche

A

The range of abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species actually lives

46
Q

Native species

A

A type of species that lives and flourishes in a particular environment

47
Q

Specialist species

A

A type of species with a narrow niche who eats from one food source

48
Q

Generalist species

A

A type of species with a broad niche since it can eat a variety of food

49
Q

Invasive species

A

A nonnative species introduced to a new environment

50
Q

Keystone species

A

It’s disappearance has a large impact on the community (large impact on the community)

51
Q

Indicator species

A

A species that provides an early warning that damage to an ecosystem is occurring