Ecology Test Flashcards
(27 cards)
Competition
Interactions that harm both organisms
Competing for the same resources
More similar the organisms, more likely the competition
Invasive/introduced species
Most will die
If they survive, no natural competitors=nothing to limit growth
Disruptive coloration
Disguises the shape (eyespot patterns, flashes of color, etc)
Group response
Confuses predator
-schools, packs
Physical or morphological defense
- Spines, stingers, shells
- bright (warning to predator)
Mullerian mimicry
All similar and all poisonous
Batesian mimicry
Poisonous/harmful species are mimicked by “normal” species
Parasitism
(+,_)
Parasite gets nourishment from a host
Commensalism
(+, 0)
One benefits, the other unharmed
Mutualism
(+,+)
-both organisms benefit
Distribution patterns
- clumped (most common)
- random
- evenly dispersed (least common)
Carrying capacity
of individuals that cab survive in a given area
r strategist
r = growth rate
Many offspring, rapid gestation period, short lifestyle, little prenatal behavior
K strategists
K= carrying capacity
Small # offspring, long gestation period, longer lifespan, more parental behaviors
Density dependent factors for population
Competition for food, water, nesting locations
Predation
Parasitism and disease
Density independent factors for population
Hurricane, flood, fire, human activities
Pollution
Dumping of chemicals, sewage, land waste, etc
Acid precipitation
Polluted air mixes with water vapor, forming precipitation with a low pH
Sulfur dioxide + water
Sulfuric acid
Accumulates in lakes and in soil
Global warming
Greenhouse effect
Gases: CO2, H2, CH4
energy coming in is greater than the energy going out
Melting of polar ice caps
Loss of terrestrial habitat
Change in ocean salinity
Change in global climate patterns
Ozone depletion (O3)
Ozone absorbs UV radiation from sun
Use of CFC’s = hole to form in ozone layer
Increased skin cancer
Increased mutations in plants and animals
Habitat destruction
Human population growth = less natural land
Fragmentation
Destroying unknown species
Ways to limit negative human effects on environment
Solar energy Plant new trees Wind energy Efficient cars Natural pest control (ladybugs) Nature preserves Conserving resources Hunting laws (fishing restrictions)
Symbiosis
Close long term relationship between difference organisms