Levels of Organization
Define population and explain how it differs from species.
•Population = individuals of the same species in one area.
•Species = organisms capable of interbreeding.
Differentiate between habitat and niche.
• Habitat = where it lives.
• Niche = its role or function.
Name two abiotic factors that define a biome.
Temperature and precipitation.
What does a logistic growth curve indicate?
•Population growth with carrying capacity limit.
Define invasive species.
Non-native species causing ecological harm.
If zebra and wildebeest populations decline, which ecological level is directly affected next and why?
Community level, because multiple populations interacting are affected.
Can two species occupy the exact same niche? Explain.
No. Competitive exclusion principle prevents identical niches.
Why are deserts cold at night?
Low humidity prevents heat retention.
What does carrying capacity represent?
Maximum population size environment can sustain.
How does pollution affect communities?
Reduces populations and alters interactions.
Distinguish between community and ecosystem.
• Community includes only living organisms.
• Ecosystem includes biotic and abiotic factors.
Describe fundamental vs realized niche.
• Fundamental = full potential range.
• Realized = actual range due to competition.
Compare tundra and taiga climates.
•Tundra = colder, permafrost.
•Taiga = slightly warmer, coniferous forests.
If a population exceeds carrying capacity, what occurs?
Resource depletion and population crash.
Explain biomagnification.
Toxins increase concentration up trophic levels.
A scientist measures temperature, soil pH, and rainfall. Which level is being analyzed?
Environment (abiotic factors).
How does resource partitioning reduce competition?
Species divide resources by time, space, or diet.
How does latitude influence biome distribution?
Latitude affects solar radiation and climate patterns.
Interpret a declining biodiversity graph.
Loss of species reduces ecosystem stability.
How does habitat fragmentation affect genetic diversity?
Reduces gene flow and increases inbreeding.
Explain how a keystone species affects multiple ecological levels.
It influences populations, community structure, and ecosystem stability.
Predict what happens if a species loses its habitat but not its niche requirements.
Population declines due to inability to survive in new environment.
Predict biome shifts under global warming.
Biomes shift poleward or to higher elevations.
Analyze how predator removal affects trophic levels.
•Trophic cascade alters multiple levels.
Propose one conservation strategy and justify it.
Example: Protected areas preserve biodiversity and ecosystem stability.