Environmental biology

    Master this deck with 24 terms through effective study methods.

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    What defines ecology?

    Study of organism interactions with each other and their environment.

    What are biotic factors?

    Living components that affect biological success.

    What are abiotic factors?

    Non-living elements influencing ecosystems.

    What is a population?

    Group of individuals of the same species in a specific area.

    How does a community differ from a population?

    A community includes multiple species interacting together.

    What is an ecosystem?

    A community and its non-living environment interacting.

    What characterizes a biome?

    Large area with specific flora and fauna based on climate.

    How are biomes classified?

    Based on latitude, elevation, precipitation, and temperature.

    What defines a polar biome?

    Extreme latitudes with low solar energy and ice caps.

    What is unique about the Arctic compared to Antarctica?

    Arctic has bears; Antarctica does not.

    What is permafrost?

    Ground that remains continuously frozen in tundra regions.

    What role does fire play in boreal forests?

    Recycles nutrients and aids in seed release for some species.

    What defines a desert climate?

    Extreme daily temperature variability due to dry air.

    What is transpiration?

    Water movement from soil to atmosphere through plants.

    What distinguishes freshwater environments?

    Inland bodies of water with negligible salinity.

    What are ectoparasites?

    Parasites that live on the exterior of their host.

    What is mutualism?

    Interaction where all species involved benefit.

    What are density-independent factors?

    Abiotic factors affecting population size regardless of density.

    What does a uniform distribution pattern indicate?

    Individuals are evenly spaced in a habitat.

    What is fecundity?

    Number of offspring produced per female.

    What does carrying capacity (K) represent?

    Maximum population size an environment can sustain.

    How does r-selection differ from K-selection?

    r-selection focuses on high offspring numbers; K-selection on survival.

    What are autotrophs?

    Organisms that produce organic compounds from simple substances.

    What is the role of decomposers?

    Break down dead organic matter using external digestion.