AP Biology Ecology Review

Front

What is a niche?

Back

An organism's role in an ecosystem and the resources they obtain.

Front

What does carrying capacity mean?

Back

The number of organisms an ecosystem can sustain.

Front

How do cooperative behaviors increase fitness?

Back

They increase the fitness of the population, though may harm the individual.

Front

What is the formula to calculate population size after 1 year given rmax?

Back

Population size = Current population + (Current population * rmax * (1 - (Current population / Carrying capacity))).

Front

What is a density independent limiting factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size regardless of the population density, such as a natural disaster.

Front

Define abiotic factors in an ecosystem.

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors?

Back

Density-dependent factors are influenced by population density, while density-independent factors affect populations regardless of their size.

Front

Explain the concept of ecological succession.

Back

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

Each step in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients.

Front

Define mutualism in ecology.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.