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Questions and Answers
What is ecology?
What is ecology?
The study of the relationships of organisms and their environment.
The word 'Oikos' means ______.
The word 'Oikos' means ______.
home
Abiotic factors are living components of an ecosystem.
Abiotic factors are living components of an ecosystem.
False (B)
Biotic factors are influenced by disease, competition, and mutualism.
Biotic factors are influenced by disease, competition, and mutualism.
What are ecosystems considered in ecology?
What are ecosystems considered in ecology?
Which of the following is an example of abiotic factors?
Which of the following is an example of abiotic factors?
Ecosystems can be ______ or small.
Ecosystems can be ______ or small.
What characteristic describes the size difference between male and female in certain reptile species?
What characteristic describes the size difference between male and female in certain reptile species?
What behavior is triggered in male reptiles when they detect specific odors?
What behavior is triggered in male reptiles when they detect specific odors?
In some reptile species, how do females typically interact with males during mating?
In some reptile species, how do females typically interact with males during mating?
What is one way that male reptiles can identify potential threats?
What is one way that male reptiles can identify potential threats?
What type of behavior is often observed in male reptiles when they encounter unfamiliar pheromones?
What type of behavior is often observed in male reptiles when they encounter unfamiliar pheromones?
What best describes the dynamics of an ecosystem?
What best describes the dynamics of an ecosystem?
Which of the following features is most associated with ecological studies?
Which of the following features is most associated with ecological studies?
Which of the following processes contributes to an increase in biomass within an ecosystem?
Which of the following processes contributes to an increase in biomass within an ecosystem?
In ecological terms, how is the productivity of an ecosystem primarily evaluated?
In ecological terms, how is the productivity of an ecosystem primarily evaluated?
What role do environmental factors play in an ecosystem?
What role do environmental factors play in an ecosystem?
Which characteristic defines a large ecosystem, such as the biosphere?
Which characteristic defines a large ecosystem, such as the biosphere?
How can the effects of toxins or pollutants in an ecosystem manifest?
How can the effects of toxins or pollutants in an ecosystem manifest?
What is a fundamental aspect of an ecosystem's structure?
What is a fundamental aspect of an ecosystem's structure?
What concept suggests that natural selection favors individuals who contribute to the genetic success of their kin?
What concept suggests that natural selection favors individuals who contribute to the genetic success of their kin?
Which term describes the behavior characterized by individuals sacrificing their own fitness for the benefit of others?
Which term describes the behavior characterized by individuals sacrificing their own fitness for the benefit of others?
In the context of social behavior, which of the following best represents a disadvantage of group living?
In the context of social behavior, which of the following best represents a disadvantage of group living?
What is one benefit of group living that enhances the survival rates of individuals?
What is one benefit of group living that enhances the survival rates of individuals?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of altruistic behavior?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of altruistic behavior?
What term refers to the competition for resources that can lead to natural selection among individuals in a group?
What term refers to the competition for resources that can lead to natural selection among individuals in a group?
Which species is specifically mentioned as an example in the context of social behavior?
Which species is specifically mentioned as an example in the context of social behavior?
Natural selection that works at the level of groups rather than individuals can be described as which of the following?
Natural selection that works at the level of groups rather than individuals can be described as which of the following?
What type of population is most likely to experience logistic growth?
What type of population is most likely to experience logistic growth?
Which population type is referred to as 'closed'?
Which population type is referred to as 'closed'?
In what scenario might studying penguins be particularly advantageous?
In what scenario might studying penguins be particularly advantageous?
What is a characteristic of an open population?
What is a characteristic of an open population?
Which scenario would most likely lead to exponential growth in a population?
Which scenario would most likely lead to exponential growth in a population?
What might success lead to in an individual?
What might success lead to in an individual?
What is indicated by the phrase 'chestnut takes time'?
What is indicated by the phrase 'chestnut takes time'?
What does 'weaponry' refer to in this context?
What does 'weaponry' refer to in this context?
In what way can 'ornamentation' be understood?
In what way can 'ornamentation' be understood?
How might aggression manifest in social interactions?
How might aggression manifest in social interactions?
What could 'display' imply in a visual context?
What could 'display' imply in a visual context?
What does the term 'rum wit' suggest?
What does the term 'rum wit' suggest?
What can be inferred about the persistence of success?
What can be inferred about the persistence of success?
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
- 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.
Examples of Social Behavior
- 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.
