Evolution and Ecology REVIEW

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What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support.

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What happens to 90% of the energy as you move up a food pyramid?

Back

It is lost as heat to the environment.

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What is genetic drift?

Back

A mechanism of evolution that causes random changes in gene frequencies in a population.

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What is mutualism?

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, such as leaf-cutter ants and fungi.

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What is the founder effect?

Back

A phenomenon where a small group from a population starts a new population, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

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What is natural selection?

Back

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is gene flow?

Back

The transfer of genetic material between populations, which can affect allele frequencies.

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What is competition in ecology?

Back

An interaction between organisms or species in which both are harmed as they compete for limited resources.

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What is commensalism?

Back

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.