Ecology Flashcards
(30 cards)
Ecology
is the study of how organisms interact with each other (biotic) and the physical environment (abiotic)
Biotic Factors
living component of an ecosystem. Examples?
Predation, competition for resources, mate competition, parasitism, etc.
Abiotic Factors
non-living chemical and physical factors. Examples?
Temperature, water availability, sunlight, soil, water chemistry, etc.
Abiotic factors are typically density-independent
These factors influence the size and growth of a population reguardless of population density
Biotic factors are typically density-dependent
These factors influence the size and growth of a population depending on population density
Ecological Heirarchy
Organism – An individual living thing
Population – A group of individuals of the same species living in an area
Community – Populations of different species living together in an area
Ecosystem – Functional system of a community, its non-living environment, and the interactions between them
Landscape – A heterogeneous area including an array of ecosystems
Biome
Biosphere – All living things on Earth and the areas they inhabit
Biological Interaction
effect that organisms in a community have on each other
Intraspecific
interactions- within a species
Interspecific
interactions- between species
5 Species Interactions
Predation
Competition
Mutualism
Parasitism
Commensalism
Coevolution
reciprocal influence of closely associated species
Predation
Members of one species (predator) kills and feeds on members of another species (prey)
Predator Prey Interactions
Intense natural selection pressures predator and prey populations to adapt to each other
Predator Avoidances (5)
Camouflage
Chemical warfare
Warning coloration
Mimicry
Behavioral strategies
Biological Camouflage
Cryptic coloration, patterning, and/or morphology adapted to the environment
Masks location, identity, and movements
Can be seasonal in some ecosystems
Used by both predators and prey
Concealing Coloration
organisms blend in with their surroundings
Disruptive Coloration
colors and patterns break up outline of organism
Countershading
dorsal and ventral coloring differences
Poisonous
(passive)- organisms contain toxins within their tissues which is released upon disturbance (eaten, touched, etc.)
Venomous
(active)- organisms intentionally deliver toxins via stinger/fang/spine, etc.
Aposematic
coloration and pattern displays warn predators that prey are not worth attacking
Reverse Countershading
makes organisms conspicuous signaling defensive abilities
Why is warning coloration counterintuitive to evolution?
It can make individuals more susceptible to being seen and counters camouflage
So how is warning coloration beneficial?
Warning coloration is beneficial to populations rather than individuals
Some individuals will sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the species
