Unit 2.A Flashcards by Kaitie Klein

Systems definition

Have interconnected inputs, processes, and outputs that affect each other.

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Positive feedback loops

System changes in the same direction, reinforces original inputs/events

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Negative feedback loops

System changes in opposite direction from which it is coming

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What is the order of services on the pyramid

Cultural
Provisioning
Regulating
Supporting

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Supporting definition and examples

Natural processes that sustain life

Photosynthesis, water cycle

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Regulating definition and examples

Processes that regulate natural phenomena

Pollination, decomposition

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Provisioning definition and examples

Benefits that can be extracted or harvested from nature

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Cultural definition and examples

Non-material benefit contributing to development and cultural advancement

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What are the population distributions

Uniform, random, and clumped

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Pros of a clumped population distribution

Better chance at finding resources, more protection against predators, packs allow some to get prey, groups for mating and kids

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Cons of a clumped population distribution

Higher intraspecific competition, diseases spread easier, may attract predators

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What is the order of organisms to the world

Individuals
Population
Community
Ecosystem
Biome
Biosphere

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Population size definition

Total number of individuals in a given area at a specific time

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Population density definition

Number of individuals per unit area

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Carring capacity (K) definition

The limit of individuals that can be supported by the environment

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Logistic growth definition

Rapid initial growth then steady decrease in population growth until population size levels off

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Density-dependent factors definition and examples

Occur because of the population becoming too dense in its environment.

Water, nutrients, disease, space

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Density-independent factors definition and examples

Affects the size of a population regardless of its density/size.

Storms, floods, earthquakes, cold spells, fires

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Biotic potential definition

Capacity for population growth under ideal conditions. Population experiences exponential growth

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R-selected species definition and examples

Usually many offspring to overcome large losses, little/no parental care, unstable boom and bust cycles

Rabbits, rats, bacteria

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K-selected species definition and examples

Few offspring, mature late, extensive parental care, big competitors

Elephant, whales, humans

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Survivorship curve definition

Displays the relative survival rates of a group of individuals in a population

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Type I survivorship curve meaning

High survival in young age

K-selected species

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Type II survivorship curve meaning

Roughly constant mortality independent of age

Usually K-selected species

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Type III survivorship curve meaning

Greatest mortality early in life R-selected species

Trophic cascade definition

Changes to the trophic level, often top predator, causes dramatic changes to other trophic levels

Keystone species definition

Has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its population size

Ecological niche definition

Functional role of a species in its community

What niche do generalist species have

Broad

What niche do specialist species have

Narrow

How to calculate the growth rate with population

r= (births + immigration) - (deaths + emigration) / total population ×100

How to calculate population growth through percent change

New value - original value/original value ×100, ÷ the number of years have passed

How to calculate doubling time

70/r

What is doubling time

The amount of time in years it will take for a population to double

What is the growth rate of a population

A measure of the number of individuals leaving or entering a population relative to the total population size.

What relationship does predation represent?

+/- One animal eating another

What relationship does competition represent?

-/- Both compete for resources and dont benefit

What relationship does parasitism represent?

+/- One organism using the other as a host and harming it

What relationship does mutualism represent?

+/+ Both species benefit in some way

What relationship does commensalism represent?

+/0 One species benefits while the other is not affected, not harmed but doesnt get any benefit

Ecological succession def

Series of changes observed in a community after a disturbance, which changes ecosystem structure and resource availability

What is a generalist species

They survive more easily when conditions change rapidly and dramatically

What is a specialist species

More likely to experience a population decline in rapidly changing environments. Highly adapted to a specific resource

What is primary succession

Disturbance that leaves behind rocks. Starting the ecosystem from scratch

Primary succession exps

Glacial retreats Volcanic eruptions

Pioneer species for primary succession and exps

Inhabit first and create soil Lichens, moss

Early successional species for primary succession and exps

Thrive in sunny conditions with nutrient-poor soil. Grasses, wildflowers

Late successional species for primary succession

Slow-growing, shade tolerant, replaces early successional species

What is secondary succession and exps

Soil remains after an ecosystem disturbance. Tsunamis, wildfires

Pioneer species for secondary succession

Easily dispersed, sun tolerant, adds organic material.

Late successional species for secondary succession

Slow-growing, long-lived, shade tolerant, replaces other species.

What is gross primary productivity (GPP)

The total amount of energy converted from sunlight into glucose by producers

What is net primary productivity (NPP)

The amount of energy available to consumers (glucose and carbohydrates left over after plants carry out respiration)

How to find NPP?

NPP = GPP-respiration

What is the bottleneck effect?

Population is more susceptible to inbreeding, disease, and other environmental stressors

Why is greater genetic diversity better for species

It allows for greater response to environmental stressors

What is species richness

The number of all species in a community

What is species eveness

Relative abundances of all the various species in a community

What does a high species eveness mean

Relatively equal representation of all species. Not dominated by one species

What does a low species evenness mean

Community is dominated by one species

Why is higher species diversity good

It means a higher NPP and more resilience to environmental stressors to bounce back

What is a habitat

The specific environment in which an organism lives

Why is habitat diversity good

It allows for a variety of niches (species roles) to coexist