Ecology

Studies how organisms interact with their environment and other organisms

Biosphere

Represents the parts of the earth where life exists Its composed of individuals populations, communities, and ecosystems. (atmosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere)

Species

A group of organisms sharing common characteristics that interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in the same area at a particular time Population = number of briths - deaths over time

Community

Refers to different populations in an area or habitat Relates more to different species and how they interact

Abiotic

Non living - physical factors that may influence organisms Include: light, temp, water (precipitation), substrate (soil), mineral nutrients, salinity, pH, gasses, etc.

Biotic

Living components of the environment Include: fungi, bacteria, plants, animals, birds, fish, decomposers

Ecological Niche

The role of a species in an ecosystem. It comprises all biotic and abiotic interactions, that influence the growth, survival, and reproduction of a population, including how food is obtained

Negative Feedback

Occurs when a change in a system triggers a response that counteracts the initial change, promoting sustainability

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals in a population that an ecosystem can support. Determined by competition for limited resources

Limiting Factors

Factors that constrain a populations size - slowing or stopping it from growing Includes: starvation/availability of food, disease/parasites, predation, hunting age, accidents, natural disasters

Density Dependent Factos

Influenced by relative size of the population, Increases with pop density, Negative feedback, More impactful in crowded pops ex. competition for food, breeding territory, disease

Density Independent Factos

Not influenced by relative size of the population, Unrelated to pop density, No feedback , Equally impactful in sparse or dense pops ex. natural disasters, extreme weather, pollution

Non-motile Sampling

Random - draw square, input girds, pick random grad, and count Transect - placing one quadrant each meter along a straight line you can find the % cover or the number of organisms for different distances. Systematic - the study area includes an environmental gradient like a hill

Lincoln Indec

Population size estimate = (M × N/R) M is the number of individuals in 1st sample N is the total number of individuals in 2nd sample R is the number of marked individuals in 2nd sample

Habitat

The environment in which a species normally lives. Can include both geographical and physical locations

Ecosystem

A community and the physical environment it interacts with

Keystone Species

Plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of the ecosystem in which they live, they hold everything together.

Tipping Point