Ecology Overview and Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is ecology?

The study of the relationships of organisms and their environment.

The word 'Oikos' means ______.

home

Abiotic factors are living components of an ecosystem.

False

Biotic factors are influenced by disease, competition, and mutualism.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are ecosystems considered in ecology?

Fundamental units in ecology. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of abiotic factors?

Moisture Signup and view all the answers

Ecosystems can be ______ or small.

large Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic describes the size difference between male and female in certain reptile species?

Sexual dimorphism Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is triggered in male reptiles when they detect specific odors?

Aggressive behavior Signup and view all the answers

In some reptile species, how do females typically interact with males during mating?

Females often eat the males Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that male reptiles can identify potential threats?

Through the scent of unrelated cubs Signup and view all the answers

What type of behavior is often observed in male reptiles when they encounter unfamiliar pheromones?

Increased territoriality Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the dynamics of an ecosystem?

It is determined by energy flow, nutrient cycling, and water flow. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is most associated with ecological studies?

Field-based research with monitoring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes contributes to an increase in biomass within an ecosystem?

Nitrogen fixation Signup and view all the answers

In ecological terms, how is the productivity of an ecosystem primarily evaluated?

Through the biomass produced and energy dynamics Signup and view all the answers

What role do environmental factors play in an ecosystem?

They influence individual organisms, populations, and communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines a large ecosystem, such as the biosphere?

It extends across various biotic and abiotic interactions. Signup and view all the answers

How can the effects of toxins or pollutants in an ecosystem manifest?

By harming both biotic and abiotic components Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of an ecosystem's structure?

It includes interactions between biotic and abiotic factors. Signup and view all the answers

What concept suggests that natural selection favors individuals who contribute to the genetic success of their kin?

Kin selection Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the behavior characterized by individuals sacrificing their own fitness for the benefit of others?

Altruism Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social behavior, which of the following best represents a disadvantage of group living?

Increased likelihood of disease transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of group living that enhances the survival rates of individuals?

Increased vigilance against predators Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of altruistic behavior?

Increases the fitness of the actor Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the competition for resources that can lead to natural selection among individuals in a group?

Intraspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

Which species is specifically mentioned as an example in the context of social behavior?

Great Green Warbler Signup and view all the answers

Natural selection that works at the level of groups rather than individuals can be described as which of the following?

Group selection Signup and view all the answers

What type of population is most likely to experience logistic growth?

An isolated population with limited resources Signup and view all the answers

Which population type is referred to as 'closed'?

A population from which individuals cannot leave or enter Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario might studying penguins be particularly advantageous?

They are easier to study due to their isolated population characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an open population?

Individuals can immigrate into and emigrate from the population Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would most likely lead to exponential growth in a population?

Stable resources and an absence of predators Signup and view all the answers

What might success lead to in an individual?

Aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the phrase 'chestnut takes time'?

Growth requires patience Signup and view all the answers

What does 'weaponry' refer to in this context?

Tools for combat Signup and view all the answers

In what way can 'ornamentation' be understood?

Visually appealing decoration Signup and view all the answers

How might aggression manifest in social interactions?

Conflict Signup and view all the answers

What could 'display' imply in a visual context?

Exhibiting characteristics or features Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'rum wit' suggest?

An expression of cleverness Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the persistence of success?

It requires continuous effort Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecology definition

Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment.
The term "ecology" was coined in 1869.
It encompasses the study of homes, trees, and ants.

The study of Ecology

Ecology can be viewed as the study of homes (Oikos) or the study of the environment (Logos).
Ecology can be contrasted with natural history.
Natural history is descriptive and focuses on organisms in their wild habitats.
Ecology uses systematic and quantitative methods asking why things are the way they are.

Abiotic and Biotic factors in ecology

Abiotic factors are non-living components like temperature, moisture, nutrients, fire, and toxins.
Biotic factors are all the living components within an ecosystem, including animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Biotic factors are influenced by disease, competition, and predation from other organisms.

Ecosystems: the fundamental unit of ecology

Ecosystems are a fundamental unit in ecology.
They include both abiotic and biotic components.
Ecosystems can range in size from the biosphere to a small pitcher plant.
They can also be influenced by toxins.

Ecosystems

Ecosystems are the fundamental unit in ecology.
Ecosystems include abiotic and biotic components.
Ecosystems can range in scale from large (the biosphere) to small (a pitcher plant).
The energy dynamics of an ecosystem are described by:
- Productivity (rate of increase in biomass)
- Flow of energy
- Flow of water
- Nutrient cycling (e.g., nitrogen fixation)

Ecology

Ecology is a science.
Some common features of ecological studies are:
- Field-based research
- Sophisticated hypothesis testing
- Statistical analysis
- Monitoring (e.g., noise monitoring)

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors affect individuals, populations, communities, and landscapes.

Populations

A closed population is isolated from other populations.
An open population has individuals that immigrate and emigrate.
An example of a closed population is penguins.
- Female penguins are typically larger than male penguins (sexual dimorphism).
- Females may eat males.
- Adult males are typically responsible for mating.
- Males recognize and respond to odors, triggering aggression towards unrelated cubs.

Aggression

Aggression can be related to:
- Competition for resources
- Mate selection
- Territoriality
- Defense of offspring

Ornamentation

Ornamentation is a visual display for mate selection.
Ornamentation can involve:
- Color
- Patterns
- Body size
- Behavior

Social behavior can be influenced by:
- Kinship: Natural selection favors behaviors that benefit genetic relatives.
- Kin selection: Individuals may sacrifice their own reproduction to benefit genetically related kin.
- Altruism: A behavior that benefits others at a cost to the individual.
- Group living: Can have both advantages and disadvantages.

The great green woodpecker works cooperatively to raise young, but also faces competition for resources and the risk of infection.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ecology, including the definitions and differences between abiotic and biotic factors, as well as the significance of ecosystems. Delve into the relationships between organisms and their environment while discovering the foundational principles of ecology.