TOPIC 1
SPECIES:
- group of organisms that are distinct from any other group
- Species share common characteristics and are capable of reproducing with each other to
generate fertile offspring
VARIATION:
- Refers to the differences within a group of similar things. No two organisms even within
a population are alike
- Ex. height, hair color, etc.
GENES:
- Variation we observe is a result of organisms genes (DNA)
- Different types of genes results in different characteristics and traits
- Genetic variation exists in any natural population and comes from the mutation or
mixing of organisms DNA.
SPECIATION:
- This process of change is aided by natural selection
- Traits that allow better survival are selected for over time
ECO SYSTEMS, POPULATION, COMMUNITY:
- A place where biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) things interact.
- Members of a species that live in the same area and share resources form a population.
- When populations of different species live in an area together they form a community.
NICHE:
- Within specific communities, animals occupy a specific niche.
- An organism’s specific habitat and habitat in a community
- It allows for an organism to have access to resources it requires (food, shelter, etc) and
survive.
- Niches of a population can vary depending on the area they inhabit due to differences in
resources and the presence of competing organisms.
- Broader niche = generalists
- Narrower niche = specialists
INTERSPECIES COMPETITION:
- If 2 species occupy a common habitat and access the same resource, it’s possible they can
directly compete for it.
- Results in a decrease in each species share of the resources.
- Limits the size of populations in an area
- When similar species have slightly different niches they dont compete for resources
instead they divide the resources among them. This is known as resource partitioning
(share)
, VARIATION:
- Variation in species allows for the survival of a species
- Different characteristics allow organisms to deal with environmental changes differently
& effectively. Also to adapt to new/changed environments much easier.
- The variation allows access to new or alternate niches if required.
Variation or changes in the environments can be
- Introduction of disease, Extreme climates (hot, cold, dry, etc), Natural disasters,
Resource scarcity
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY:
The variety of species and ecosystems on earth and the ecological processes of which they are a
part.
- Ecosystem diversity (biomes)
- Community + species diversity (more resources = more diversity)
- Genetic diversity (DNA)
TOPIC 2
INTERDEPENDENCE:
As they interact, Each species depends on many other species in the environment.
PREDATOR-PREY RELA:
- Example of an interdependent relationship
- Populations of predators will fluctuate with numbers of prey. aka predator-prey cycles
- Predator species are fed
- Prey species are helped because the strongest, healthiest individuals survive to reproduce
- Prey species are also kept in check so they don't populate
Another group of independent relationships where organisms are independent on one another
are known as symbiotic relationships
Mutualism
- Where both organisms benefit
Commensalism
- Where only one organism benefits
Parasitism
- Where one organism benefits and the other is harmed
SPECIES:
- group of organisms that are distinct from any other group
- Species share common characteristics and are capable of reproducing with each other to
generate fertile offspring
VARIATION:
- Refers to the differences within a group of similar things. No two organisms even within
a population are alike
- Ex. height, hair color, etc.
GENES:
- Variation we observe is a result of organisms genes (DNA)
- Different types of genes results in different characteristics and traits
- Genetic variation exists in any natural population and comes from the mutation or
mixing of organisms DNA.
SPECIATION:
- This process of change is aided by natural selection
- Traits that allow better survival are selected for over time
ECO SYSTEMS, POPULATION, COMMUNITY:
- A place where biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) things interact.
- Members of a species that live in the same area and share resources form a population.
- When populations of different species live in an area together they form a community.
NICHE:
- Within specific communities, animals occupy a specific niche.
- An organism’s specific habitat and habitat in a community
- It allows for an organism to have access to resources it requires (food, shelter, etc) and
survive.
- Niches of a population can vary depending on the area they inhabit due to differences in
resources and the presence of competing organisms.
- Broader niche = generalists
- Narrower niche = specialists
INTERSPECIES COMPETITION:
- If 2 species occupy a common habitat and access the same resource, it’s possible they can
directly compete for it.
- Results in a decrease in each species share of the resources.
- Limits the size of populations in an area
- When similar species have slightly different niches they dont compete for resources
instead they divide the resources among them. This is known as resource partitioning
(share)
, VARIATION:
- Variation in species allows for the survival of a species
- Different characteristics allow organisms to deal with environmental changes differently
& effectively. Also to adapt to new/changed environments much easier.
- The variation allows access to new or alternate niches if required.
Variation or changes in the environments can be
- Introduction of disease, Extreme climates (hot, cold, dry, etc), Natural disasters,
Resource scarcity
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY:
The variety of species and ecosystems on earth and the ecological processes of which they are a
part.
- Ecosystem diversity (biomes)
- Community + species diversity (more resources = more diversity)
- Genetic diversity (DNA)
TOPIC 2
INTERDEPENDENCE:
As they interact, Each species depends on many other species in the environment.
PREDATOR-PREY RELA:
- Example of an interdependent relationship
- Populations of predators will fluctuate with numbers of prey. aka predator-prey cycles
- Predator species are fed
- Prey species are helped because the strongest, healthiest individuals survive to reproduce
- Prey species are also kept in check so they don't populate
Another group of independent relationships where organisms are independent on one another
are known as symbiotic relationships
Mutualism
- Where both organisms benefit
Commensalism
- Where only one organism benefits
Parasitism
- Where one organism benefits and the other is harmed
