Ecological Terminology Niche the role of the species

Ecological Terminology Niche = the role of the species in a specific area

Ecological Terminology Fundamental niche = the potential space that could be used by a species Realized niche = part of the fundamental niche that is actually used by a species

Ecological Terminology Habitat = the place where a group of animals live

Ecological Terminology Population = a group of the same species

Ecological Terminology Community = the many different species that live in a habitat

Ecological Terminology Ecosystem = the community of species and the physical features in an area

Ecological Terminology Biotic features = the living features in an ecosystem

Ecological Terminology Biodiversity = the variety of living species

Ecological Terminology Flora = the plants

Ecological Terminology Fauna = the animals

Ecological Terminology Abiotic Features = the nonliving features in an ecosystem

Ecological Terminology Primary succession = succession that occurs where no species existed before

Ecological Terminology Pioneer Species = first species to enter an area

Ecological Terminology Secondary succession = succession in areas that have established species

Tropical Rainforest Long wet period, short dry period Hot all year Rich variety of life

Tropical Rainforest

Deserts Little moisture Varying daily temps Poor variety of life

Deserts

Savanna (tropical grassland) Wet season / dry season Warm all year Characterized by tall grasses and few trees

Savanna

Temperate grassland Wet season / dry season Seasons Also known as the Pampas (S. A. ) an the Steppe (Asia)

Temperate Grassland

Deciduous Forest Moderate precip all year Definite seasons Characterized by deciduous trees (oak, elm)

Deciduous Forest

Taiga Moderate precipitation Cold winters / cool summers Characterized by coniferous trees (pines)

Taiga

Tundra Dry season / wet season Cold all year Characterized by prermafrost and lack of trees

Tundra

I. Species= a group of organisms that can interbreed successfully

- New species can be created by isolation

- Species can be lost by extinction * Can be result of natural selection or man-mad

Types of Population Growth Exponential Growth = rapid growth due to lack of limiting factors * forms a “J” curve

Types of Population Growth - Logistic Growth = slow growth when controlled by factors * forms an “S” curve

Size of Populations Large = too large can create shortages of resources

Size of Populations Small = too small can lead to inbreeding

Populations 3. Density = number of individuals in a given area

Dispersion of Populations

Density Dependent Factors = dependent on the # of animals Food, water Disease , parasites Predator / prey

Density Independent Factors = not influenced by population numbers Weather Events Changes in ecosystem

Carrying Capacity Maximum # of indiv. an environment can support

Native Species Have always existed in an area

Immigrant Species = are new to an area (introduced, exotic)

Indicator Species Change quickly in response to changes in the environment

Keystone species Actions lead to changes in many different species

“r” Strategists Little parental care High mortality High fluctuation in population

“k” Strategist Intense parental care High survivability Stable populations

Interaction Among Species A. Predation = one organism feeds off another

Interaction Among Species B. Parasitism = one organism feeds off anther without killing it

Interaction Among Species 1. Host = organism that supports the parasite 2. Ectoparasite = parasite that lives on the outside of the body

Interaction Among Species 3. Endoparasite = parasite that lives inside the host

Interaction Among Species 1. Mutualism = relationship in which both members benefit

Interaction Among Species 2. Commensalism = relationship in which one species benefits and the other is not affected.

Defense by Plants A. Chemical = production of toxins

Defense by plants

Defense by Plants B. Mechanical = growth of thorns, spines or release of sticky secretions

Defense by Plants

Defense by Plants C. Biotic = host protective species

Defense by Animals A. Cammoflauge = blend in to environment

Defense by Animals B. Aposematic coloration = “warning” colors

Defense by Animals C. Chemical = production of repellents

Defense by Animals D. Structural = barriers against attack

Defense by Animals E. Behavioral = behavior discourages attack

Mutualism Both members benefit Ex: Rhino and oxpecker

Parasitism One member benefits and the other is harmed ex: cat and tapeworm

Commensalism One member benefits and the other is not affected ex: clown fish and sea anemone

Water Cycle Evaporation = liquid to gas Transpiration = release of water vapor from plants Condensation = water droplets form Precipitation = droplets fall

Carbon Cycle Carbon dioxide (CO 2) is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis - some carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean and is used by shellfish to make their shells * plants and oceans are carbon “reservoirs”

Carbon Cycle Plants and animals return CO 2 to the air during respiration and decomposition

Carbon Cycle Some plants and animals die and form fossil fuels

Carbon Cycle Burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the air

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen Fixation = atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia compounds - N 2 cannot be used directly by plants - process takes place in the roots of legumes by bacteria

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrification = ammonia compounds are converted into nitrates

Nitrogen Cycle Assimilation = plants use the nitrates

Nitrogen Cycle Dentrification = left over ammonia is converted into atmospheric nitrogen by bacteria in soil and released into the air