Species Classification Methods and Concepts

A tool used to identify organisms by asking a series of yes/no questions, focusing on physical characteristics.

Examines physical characteristics instead of behaviour, may not be available for all organisms, and isn't suitable for organisms that drastically change appearance throughout their lives.

1. Linnaean Taxonomy: Classifying organisms based on shared characteristics, using hierarchical categories. 2) DNA Surveys: Examining genetic similarities between organisms to determine relationships. 3) Comparisons with Specimens: Comparing unknown organisms to existing reference collections.

A group of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

It cannot classify species based on geographically isolated populations, cannot analyze extinct species, and doesn't account for organisms that reproduce asexually.

One animal eats another by killing it for food.

An animal consumes green plants for energy.

A relationship where one organism (parasite) lives on or in another organism (host) and obtains food from the host.

Both species involved in a relationship benefit from each other.

When a population reaches high density, individuals compete for limited resources, like food, space, or mates.

An organism that obtains nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter.

A pathogen, such as a virus, bacteria, or fungus, that causes disease in another organism.

Predation benefits both predator and prey by regulating prey populations, preventing overpopulation and resource depletion, and promoting biodiversity.

Factors that are dependent on population density. They become more intense as the population grows. Biotic examples include disease, predation, and competition.

Factors that are independent of population density. They affect populations regardless of size. Abiotic examples include extreme temperatures, forest fires, and floods.

Predation involves one organism killing another for food, while parasitism involves one organism benefiting at the cost of another without killing it.

Intraspecific competition occurs between organisms of the same species, while interspecific competition takes place between organisms of different species.

The role and position a species occupies in an ecosystem, encompassing both abiotic and biotic factors that affect its survival and reproduction.

Species cannot occupy the same niche due to competitive exclusion. The species with the advantage in resource utilization will outcompete the other, leading to the elimination of one species.

S-curve represents logistic growth in a limited environment, reaching carrying capacity. J-curve depicts exponential growth in an unlimited environment, reaching carrying capacity and then potentially crashing.

S-curves are applicable to species in stable environments with limited resources, longer lifespans, and lower reproductive rates.

J-curves are applicable to species in environments with initially ample resources, shorter lifespans, and high reproductive rates.

The maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustainably support based on its resource availability (food, space, etc.).

Factors that limit population growth as it approaches carrying capacity. They can be biotic (e.g., food, competition) or abiotic (e.g., water, climate).

Limiting factors influence both S and J curves. In S-curves, they lead to a leveling off near carrying capacity. In J-curves, they cause a sudden crash after rapid growth.

A method used to estimate population size, involving capture, marking, release, and recapture.

Capture, mark, release, recapture to determine population size.

1. Tags: Easy to apply, providing individual identification, but can affect behavior and get lost or cause injury. 2) Paint/Dye: Non-invasive and useful for short-term studies, but it can wear off quickly and attract predators.

Mark loss, behavioral changes, and population closure can affect accuracy. Mark loss can cause underestimation, behavioral changes alter recapture probability, and population closure assumes no immigration, emigration, births, or deaths during the study period.

Abiotic factors that affect terrestrial ecosystems include light intensity, drainage, and mineral content.

Abiotic factors that affect aquatic ecosystems include dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH.

Abiotic factors influence species distribution by setting limits for their survival and reproduction. For example, temperature tolerance, water availability, and light availability shape where species are found.

Use instruments like modern data loggers to measure temperature and pH. Decide whether to measure changes over time or space. If measuring temperature with depth, take readings simultaneously. Repeat each reading multiple times for accuracy.

Frequency refers to the number of times an organism occurs in a specific location, while cover estimates the area occupied by that organism.

Percentage cover = (Number of quadrats with the species / Total number of quadrats) × 100

Percentage frequency = (Number of actual occurrences / Number of possible occurrences) × 100

Population density is the number of individuals per unit area. It's calculated by dividing the number of individuals in the sampled area by the total area sampled.

A visual representation of the interactions and flow of energy and matter within a system, showing inputs, outputs, processes, and feedback loops.

Different environmental value systems view carrying capacity differently. Ecocentric views emphasize nature's intrinsic value and living within its carrying capacity. Anthropocentric views focus on human welfare and potentially expanding carrying capacity. Technocentric views believe technology can overcome environmental limitations.

A population growth pattern characterized by rapid growth, overshooting carrying capacity, and subsequent crashing. This often occurs due to factors like lack of predators and abundant resources.

Any mechanism within a system that counteracts change, restoring equilibrium. It involves a chain of events where an initial change triggers responses that dampen the original change, preventing further deviation from the set point.