Community Ecology - AP Biology

Species that create and define a community. Provide physical structure that other species depend on.

Availability of sunlight. Light availability determines photosynthesis rates in ecosystems.

Any type of close and long-term biological interaction between species. Can be mutualistic, parasitic, or commensalistic relationships.

Succession that begins in lifeless areas with no soil. Occurs on bare rock or after volcanic eruptions.

Non-native species that spread widely and cause harm. Often outcompete native species for resources.

The process of change in species structure in a community over time. Proceeds from pioneer species to climax community.

Lions hunting zebras. Predator population often cycles with prey abundance.

A more complex network of who eats whom in a community. Shows interconnected feeding relationships in ecosystems.

The capacity of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances. Indicates ecosystem stability and adaptation ability.

Break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients. Essential for nutrient cycling and energy flow continuation.

Forest fire. Temporary disruption that can reset succession patterns.

Old-growth forest. Represents stable, mature ecosystem with low species turnover.

Relationship where one species benefits, the other is neither helped nor harmed. One-sided benefit with neutral effect on the other species.

Organism that creates, modifies, or maintains habitats. Modifies environment for other species' benefit or detriment.

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar. Both species benefit from this symbiotic relationship.

Mountain range. Geographic feature that prevents species movement or gene flow.

Competition between members of different species. Often involves resource competition between different species.

Succession that occurs in areas where a community has been disturbed. Happens after fires, floods, or human disturbances.

Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist. Also known as Gause's principle, based on resource competition.

Living component that affects the ecosystem. Includes all living organisms that influence ecosystem function.

Competition among members of the same species. Usually more intense due to identical resource needs.

Measurement of human impact on Earth's ecosystems. Quantifies resource consumption and waste production rates.

A biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity. Areas with exceptional endemic species and habitat threats.

Succession that begins in lifeless areas with no soil. Occurs on bare rock or after volcanic eruptions.

A species with a disproportionately large impact on its environment. Their removal dramatically affects ecosystem structure and function.

Relationship where one species benefits at the expense of another. Parasite gains resources while harming the host organism.

When two species occupy different habitats within the same area. Reduces competition through spatial resource partitioning.

A measure of species diversity in a community. Combines species richness with relative abundance patterns.

The natural environment in which a species lives. Physical location where organisms live and obtain resources.