Chapter 2 Flashcards
energy+ecosystems
radiant energy
from the sun ->chemical E (like food)->mechanical->pysical activities
energy
capacity to do work (measured in calories)
exists as kinetic E and chemical E
high-quality energy
easy to use, E disperses quickly
gas
low-quality energy
difficult to gather, disperses slowly (at low temp)
heat
the first law of thermodynamics
E can not be created or destroyed
2nd law- entropy
through transformation, some E is lost
niche
interactions of a species with the other members of its community, including competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism. A variety of abiotic factors, such as soil type and climate, also define a species’ niche.
fundamental niche
where a species can possible habitat (possible range)
realized niche
the range it actually occupies
habitat
where species lived
competitive exclusion principle
no two species can occupy the same niche in the same are
limiting factor
all factors for growth must be available in certain minimum
generalist species
broad niche and can easily adapt to changing habitat
keystone species
a strong influence on the whole community
without, ecosystem collapse
extirpated
keystone species removed
