Biotic Components of Marine Ecosystems Flashcards
What are the three measurements of distribution?
Clumped, random and uniform.
How do you calculate ecological carrying capacity?
R= (B+I)- (D-E)
R- rate of change of a population
B- Birth rate
I- Immigration rate
D- death rate
E- Emigration rate
Identify the biotic components of marine ecosystems
- trophic levels
- food chains
- food webs
- interactions
- population dynamics
What are the four types of symbiosis and their description?
- Mutualism- both organisms benefit from the relationship (coral and zoozanthalae)
- Commensalism- One benefits the other is unaffected (sharks and remora)
- Parasitism- One benefits while the other is negatively affected (flatworms and fish)
- Amensalism- One is not affected while the other is harmed (Algal blooms and fish)
Intraspecific versus interspecific competition
Intraspecific competition is the competition for resources such as food and space for organisms of the same species while interspecific competition is for those of different species.
Define predation
The preying of one organism on others
Explain bioaccumulation
Bioaccumulation is the process by which toxins are passed up the food chain, increasing in concentration for each higher trophic level. This occurs as predators eat several prey that have the toxin in their system, therefore creating a greater level of toxin in the predator.
Define niche
The niche of an organism is its role in the ecosystem. This can include the organism’s habitat, prey and predators, behaviours and impact on ecosystem.
k versus r-strategists
k-strategists produce fewer offspring, have longer gestation and care for the offspring longer. The organisms also mature later in life.
r-strategists produce many offspring, have shorter gestation, do not care for children and the organism matures early.
What are keystone species?
An organism that helps support the ecosystem. If they were removed the ecosystem would change dramatically or fall apart and die.
