Introduction to ecology Flashcards
Give the order of the ecological hierarchy
Individual, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere
Give an example of a unit of evolution
Population dynamics
Describe an ecosystem
The flow of energy and matter
Describe a community
Interactions among species
What factors can interact with each other?
Plants, animals (individuals/species), environment
Define the distribution of an organism
Its location and geographic range
What does an environmental condition do?
Place a demand on the receiver. The fulfilment of conditions depends of criteria. Can affect an organism’s niche.
What is a resource?
Stock/supply of materials that can be drawn upon in order to function effectively.
Describe Bergmann’s Rule
Larger sized populations and species mammals and birds occur at higher latitudes (colder) and smaller sized mammals and birds are found at lower latitudes (warmer)
Describe Allen’s Rule
Animals in colder climates have the minimum amount of exposed area (short legs, tails, ears, etc.)
Give four examples of threats to biodiversity in ecological system
Overexploitation, urbanisation and human overpopulation, habitat destruction, industrial pollution
At what latitude is the Tropical Zone?
23 degrees north and south of the equator
Describe the conditions in the Tropical Zone
Varied temperature, varied rainfall (by location), seasonality (wet and dry seasons)
What are the respective names for species that live in conditions of high acidity and alkalinity?
Acidophiles and alkaliphiles
What is the name for species that live in high salinity conditions?
Halophiles
