Ecology and Evolution Extra Credit

Front

What is carrying capacity in an ecosystem?

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably.

Front

Define homologous structures.

Back

Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry, but may serve different functions.

Front

What is an abiotic factor?

Back

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.

Front

Name an important abiotic factor in all ecosystems.

Back

Climate.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

The interaction between organisms or species in which both are harmed when they compete for limited resources.

Front

Give an example of a pair of organisms that might compete for the same resource.

Back

Owls and weasels competing for shrews.

Front

What are the main components of an ecosystem?

Back

Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

Front

Explain the significance of homologous structures in evolution.

Back

They provide evidence for common ancestry among different species.

Front

What is the role of climate in an ecosystem?

Back

It influences the types of organisms that can survive and thrive in a particular environment.

Front

What is gene flow?

Back

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.