Evolution and Ecology PJC

Front

What is a population in ecology?

Back

A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at the same time, such as a group of Canadian Geese living in a pond.

Front

What does an ecosystem include?

Back

An ecosystem includes both abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors, such as animals, plants, water, and climate.

Front

What is the Zone of Physiological Stress?

Back

The Zone of Physiological Stress is an ecological zone where few organisms can survive due to extreme temperatures, leading to the death of old and weak individuals.

Front

What is convergent evolution?

Back

Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits or adaptations, such as prehensile tails in opossums and new world monkeys.

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process where better-adapted organisms survive and reproduce, passing their traits to the next generation.

Front

Define community in ecology.

Back

A community is a group of different species living together in a specific area, interacting with each other.

Front

What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors?

Back

Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem (e.g., water, temperature), while biotic factors are living components (e.g., plants, animals).

Front

What is the Zone of Intolerance?

Back

The Zone of Intolerance is an ecological zone where environmental conditions are so extreme that no organisms can survive.

Front

What is divergent evolution?

Back

Divergent evolution occurs when two or more related species become more dissimilar over time, often due to different environmental pressures.

Front

What is an example of artificial selection?

Back

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits, such as breeding dogs for size or temperament.