ENVS 1126 Chapter : Chapter 3
Document Summary
Ecology- study of all processes influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms and the interactions between living things and their env. Species- members that can interbreed and produce offspring (but this definition does not always work eg bacteria) Population- individuals of a species living in a given area (eg gray wolves in park) Biota or biotic community- all living organisms in a natural area. Composition of community depends on abiotic factors (temperature, rainfall, etc) Ecosystem- interactive complex of biotic communities and the abiotic env affecting them within particular area. Biome- large area of earths surface with same climate and similar vegetation. 5 major biomes: aquatic, desert, forest, grasslands, tundra. Every species has (with respect to abiotic factors): optimum range, zones of stress, limits of tolerance. Limiting factor- factor that limits growth, reproduction, or survival. Law of limiting factor- any factor that is outside the optimal range will cause stress and become limiting factor.
