Populations in ecosystems Flashcards
(26 cards)
Self-contained unit made up of the biotic and abiotic factors in an area, can be either small or large
Ecosystem
Population
A group of organisms of the same species occupying the same area at the same time that can potentially interbreed.
All the population of all the organisms of all different species that live in the same area at the same time
Community
The place where an organism normally lives
Habitat
Niche
All the conditions and resources required for an organism to survive and reproduce (its ‘role’). Organisms role e.g. position in the food web
Sampling a population to eliminate bias e.g. grid square and co-ordinates
Random Sampling
Systematic Sampling
Regular sampling across an area e.g. along a straight line transect
Method of estimating population size of animals (number in first sample x number in second sample) / marked animals in second sample
Mark-Release-Recapture
Abiotic Factors
Concerned with the non-living part of the environment
Biotic Factors
Concerned with the living organisms in the ecosystem, interacting together
Competition between organisms of different species
Interspecific Competition
Competition between organisms of the same species
Intraspecific Competition
Succession
The changes in an ecosystem, over time, of the species that occupy it
A species that can colonize bare rock or ground. First species to colonize. adapted to survive in harsh abiotic factors
Pioneer Species
The stable, final, community that exists in a balanced equilibrium that makes up the final stage of succession. Abiotic factors are more or less constant over time.
Climax Community
Conservation
Management of the Earth’s natural resources in such a way that maximum use can be made of them in the future
Carrying capacity
The maximum population size an ecosystem can support
A process whereby a species moves to a new area
colonization
Adaptation
A feature that members of species have that increases their chance of survival and reproduction
Ecology
The study of inter-relationships between organisms and their environment
Smaller units within each habitat, each with their own microclimate
Microhabitat
No two species occupy exactly the same niche
Competitive exclusion principle
The infertile offspring when two different species interbreed
Hybrid
Transect
A linear sampling tool that is usually used along an environmental gradient
