What is the definition of Metabolism?
The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in an organism to maintain life.
What is the definition of Exponential Growth?
Population growth that occurs when resources are unlimited and the growth rate is constant.
What is the definition of Logistic Growth?
Population growth that slows as it reaches the carrying capacity of the environment.
What is the definition of Carrying Capacity?
The maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustain.
What is the definition of Density-Dependent Factors?
Factors that limit population growth based on population density (e.g., competition, disease).
What is the definition of Density-Independent Factors?
Factors that limit population growth regardless of population density (e.g., natural disasters).
What is the definition of Population?
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
What is the definition of Community?
All the populations of different species living in the same area.
What is the definition of Ecosystem?
A community of organisms and their physical environment.
What is the definition of Abiotic?
Non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g., water, sunlight).
What is the definition of Biotic?
Living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals).
What is the definition of Mutualism?
A relationship between two species in which both benefit.
What is the definition of Commensalism?
A relationship between two species in which one benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.
What is the definition of Parasitism?
A relationship between two species in which one benefits and the other is harmed.
What is the definition of Predation?
A relationship in which one organism (the predator) kills and consumes another organism (the prey).
What is the definition of Competition?
A relationship in which two or more organisms compete for the same limited resources.
What is the definition of Food Web?
A network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.
What is the definition of Trophic Level?
The position an organism occupies in a food chain or food web.
What is the definition of Niche?
The role an organism plays in its environment, including its habitat and interactions with other species.
What is the definition of Cooperation?
Interactions between organisms that benefit all participants.
What is the definition of Keystone Species?
A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.
What is the definition of Producer?
An organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
What is the definition of Consumer?
An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms.
What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?
Overpopulation, competition, disease, reduced reproduction, habitat degradation.
What is the effect of losing a keystone species?
Negative cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, potentially leading to collapse.
What is the effect of increased biodiversity in an ecosystem?
Increased stability, resilience to disturbances, and overall ecosystem health.
What happens when there is a disruption in energy flow in an ecosystem?
Population declines, reduced biodiversity, and potential ecosystem collapse.
What is the effect of introducing a new species into an ecosystem?
Possible increase in biodiversity, competition with native species, or disruption of ecosystem balance.
What is the effect of reduced population size on genetic information?
Reduced genetic diversity and slower recovery from disruptions.
What are the differences between Exponential and Logistic Growth?
Exponential Growth: Unlimited resources, constant growth rate | Logistic Growth: Limited resources, growth slows as carrying capacity is reached.
What are the differences between Density-Dependent and Density-Independent Factors?
Density-Dependent Factors: Impact varies with population density (e.g., competition) | Density-Independent Factors: Impact is the same regardless of population density (e.g., natural disasters).
What are the differences between a Community and an Ecosystem?
Community: All populations of different species in an area | Ecosystem: Community plus the physical environment (abiotic factors).
What are the differences between Mutualism and Commensalism?
Mutualism: Both species benefit | Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected.
What are the differences between a Producer and a Consumer?
Producer: Makes its own food (autotroph) | Consumer: Eats other organisms (heterotroph).
