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ecology (exam 3)
ecology (exam 3)
28
Science
Undergraduate 2
04/21/2010

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Term
Retranslocation is the
Definition
same as reabsorption in which of some the nutrients occurs
Term
the breakdown of chemical bonds of organic molecules, is the key process in the recycling of nutrients within the ecosystem...
Definition
Decomposition

-Release of energy, carbon dioxide, and water
Term
-Leaching
-Fragmentation
-Changes in physical and chemical structure
-Ingestion
-Excretion of waste products
Definition
Ways of doing Decomposition
Term
The most likely Decomposters are...
Definition
bacteria, fungi, and detritivores
Term
the dominant decomposers of dead animal matter...
Definition
Bacteria
Term
the major decomposers of plant matter...
Definition
Fungi...
Term
detritivores decompose what?
Definition
leaves, twigs, and other detritus and are classified by body width
Term
Microbivores feed on...?
Definition
bacteria and fungi
This group includes protozoans (e.g., amoebas, springtails, mites)
Term
-Plant litter quality
-Soil properties (texture and pH)
-Climate (temperature and precipitation)
Definition
The rate of organic decay is related to:
Term
the transformation of nutrients contained in organic compounds into inorganic forms
Definition
Mineralization
Term
the uptake and assimilation of minerals by microbial decomposers
Definition
Immobilization
Term
the region of the soil where plant roots function, an active zone of root growth and death with intense microbial and fungal activity
Definition
The rhizosphere
Term
As much as ____ of soil respiration can be due to protozoa
Definition
70%
Term
As much as __ of soil respiration can be due to nematodes
Definition
15 percent
Term
the differential success (survival and reproduction) of individuals within the population
Definition
Natural selection
Term
The ___________ of an individual is measured as its contribution to future generations
Definition
fitness
Term
_____________is the process by which the properties of populations change over generations
Definition
Evolution
Term
An _____________ is a heritable trait that develops in response to environmental conditions
Definition
adaptation
Term
What are different forms of a genes?
Definition
Alleles
Term
are those phenotypic characteristics that fall into discrete categories (e.g., color)
Definition
Qualitative traits
Term
are those that have a continuous distribution (e.g., height)
Definition
Quantitative traits
Term
_____________ selection occurs when the extreme value of a trait is favored
Definition
Directional
Term
___________ selection occurs when the mean value of the trait is favored
Definition
Stabilizing
Term
___________ selection occurs when members of a population are subjected to different selection pressures
Definition
Disruptive
Term
___________-___________ ___________ of genetics states that under conditions of random mating, the allele frequency of a population remains constant through time
Definition
Hardy–Weinberg principle
Term
a measurable, gradual change over a geographic region in the average of a phenotypic trait
Definition
A cline
Term
They are populations of a roughly constant size whose members have low reproductive rates. The offspring produced require extensive postnatal care until they have sufficiently matured. They are very limited in resourses therefore they are a very competitive species. Humans are examples of a k-selected species.
Definition
K- Selected Species
Term
They are populations that experience rapid growth of the J-curve variety. The offspring produced are numerous, mature quite rapidly, and require very little postnatal care. Consequently, this population grows fast, reproduces quickly, and dies quickly. Bacteria are examples of r- selected species.
Definition
R-Selected Species
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