1. How do it all fit together?

2.  A group of organisms genetically similar enough to have viable (fertile) offspring.  Breeding within the species = Intraspecific breeding and results in offspring of that species.  Breeding between differing species = Interspecific breeding and results in a hybrid.  Hybrids are almost always sterile.

3.  Generalists live in many types of places, eat a variety of foods, and tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.  Specialists typically live in only one type of habitat, eat a limited variety of foods, and tolerate a narrow range of environmental conditions.

4.  Indicator species serve as “early warning systems” for ecosystem damage. (Canary in a coal mine)  Keystone species have a role in an ecosystem that is larger than their abundance or biomass would suggest.

5.  Interspecific Competition – two or more species compete for food, space, water, or any other limited resources.  Predation – members of one species (predator) feed directly on all or part of an organism of a differing species (prey).

6.  Interference Competition – one species limits another species access to resources, regardless of their abundance.  Exploitation Competition – one species is able to exploit resource more quickly or efficiently.  Competitive Exclusion – one species eliminates another from an area through competition for limited resources.

7.  Long-lasting relationships in which organisms live together in a more-or-less intimate association.  Mutualism – both organisms benefit. (+,+)  Commensalism – one organisms benefits and other is (seemingly) unaffected. (+,o)  Parasitism – one organism (parasite) feeds on another organism (host) for a significant portion of the host’s life. (+,-)

8.  Primary Succession – development of a biotic community from an essentially lifeless area where no soil or bottom sediment exists. ◦ Pioneer species ◦ Early successional plants ◦ Midsuccessional plants ◦ Late successional plants ◦ Climax community

10.  Secondary Succession – occurs where intact, natural vegetation has been disturbed, removed, or destroyed.

12.  Fundamental Niche – the full potential range of resources an organism could use if no competition were present.  Realized Niche – what an organism is able to achieve given the competition that exists.  Limiting Factors – those factors which keep an organism from realizing its fundamental niche.

13.  Answer questions 1 and 2 on page 154 of your textbook.  Due Monday, October 3, 2011.