Define the Science of Ecology Flashcards

Can you define the science of ecology? If you are somebody who cares about the environment and all kinds of life, then you should check out these flashcards. Ecology is the study of the branch of biology regarding interactions among organisms and their biophysical environment, which includes both biotic and abiotic elements. Read and study these flashcards to learn more about the science of ecology.

50 cards   |   Total Attempts: 182
  

Cards In This Set

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The study of interactions between organisms and the environment.
Ecology
First used the word "ecology".
Ernst Haeckel
5 levels of study
Individual, population, community, ecosystem, ecosphere
Group of individuals of the same species that occupy a given area.
Population
The abiotic and biotic community, functioning as a system.
Ecosystem
All populations of different species living and interacting within an ecosystem.
Community
3 important ideas of the definition of ecology
Distribution, abundance, interactions
3 ways to study ecology
Observation, field experiment, lab experiment
Collect data on organisms in the lab or field, but do not have the researcher manipulating the organism or the environment.
Observational studies
Do involve some manipulation by the researcher, and can be carried out in the field or in the lab.
Experimental studies
Large-scale changes in a population or species; typically occurs over a long time frame, can result in speciation.
Macroevolution
A cumulative or directional change in the frequency of alleles within a population over multiple generations.
Microevolution
5 processes that can lead to microevolution
Mutations, gene flow, non-random mating, genetic drift, natural selection
Change in the DNA code
Mutation
Individuals may move into or out of the population, taking out with them their alleles
Gene flow