Ecology Basics
The scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment.
ecology
The number of individuals per unit area or volume.
population density
Long-term weather conditions in an area
climate
Which biome does this describe: low precipitation, highly variable temperatures.
desert biome
The upper layer of water that receives sufficient light for photosynthesis
photic zone
Name a biotic factor.
Other organisms (e.g., plants, animals, fungi)
The pattern of spacing among individuals within the boundaries of a population
dispersion
Name one of the four major abiotic components of climate.
Temperature, precipitation, sunlight, or wind
Which biome does this describe: found in the interior of continents characterized by seasonal precipitation and drought-resistant plants.
temperate grasslands biome
The seafloor or bottom of a body of water
benthic zone
What is an abiotic factor?
Nonliving components of the environment (e.g., temperature, sunlight)
What type of dispersion is this: Individuals aggregate in patches, often influenced by resource availability
clumped
How do mountains affect climate?
They can create rain shadows by releasing moisture on the windward side and creating drier conditions on the leeward side.
Which biome does this describe: coastal regions with highly seasonal precipitation; dominated by shrubs and small trees
chaparral biome
Which biome has an abundant species of life with a light of sunlight?
Coral Reef
Major life zones determined by vegetation type or physical environment
Biomes
What is carrying capacity?
The maximum population size an environment can support.
A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range, due to moisture being released on the windward side.
rain shadow
Which biome does this describe: cold, with permafrost and low-growing vegetation
tundra biome
A temperature boundary that separates warm upper water from cold deeper water
thermocline
What is community ecology?
The study of the whole array of interacting species in a community.
Factors that regulate population growth, affected by population density (e.g., competition, disease)
density-dependent factors
Changes in light and temperature that increase toward the poles, affecting ecosystems
seasonal variations
Which biome does this describe: high precipitation during all seasons, highest variety of species on earth, canopy layered
tropical rainforest biome
Name the zonation in lakes
Lakes are stratified into zones: littoral, limnetic, photic, and benthic zones.