APES Chapter 5 Vocab
Optimal zone
Zone on a tolerance curve where organisms thrive
Biodiversity hot spot
a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction
Mutation
a random change in the genetic code resulting from a mistake in the copying process of DNA
Endemic species
a species whose habitat is restricted to a particular area; often endangered species because they are found nowhere else
Adaptation
a trait that improves an individual's fitness
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
an organism that has inserted genes of desirable traits
Directional natural selection
changing environmental conditions cause individuals with traits at one end of the normal range become more common than midrange forms
Genetic engineering
copying genes from a species with a desirable trait and inserting it into a different species
Range of tolerance
extreme limits to the abiotic conditions a given species can tolerate
Ecosystem diversity
having a variety of different ecosystems within a given region
Genetic diversity
having a variety of different genes within a given speices
Species diversity
having a variety of different species within a given ecosystem
Species Evenness
how evenly the number of individuals are divided among a species' types
Mass extinction
large numbers of species go extinct over relatively short periods of time
Macroevolution
long-term, large-scale evolutionary changes through which new species are formed and other species are lost
Diversifying natural selection
occurs when environmental conditions favor individuals at both extremes of the genetic spectrum and eliminate or sharply reduce number of individuals with normal genetic traits
Evolution by artificial selection
occurs when humans determine which individuals breed in a species, typically with a goal of a particular set of traits
Evolution by natural selection
occurs when the environment determines which individuals survive and reproduce due to certain traits that make individuals more adapted for survival than the rest of the species
Microevolution
small genetic changes that occur in a population, such as the evolution of different types of apples
Stabilizing natural selection
tends to eliminate individuals on both ends of the genetic spectrum and favor individuals with an average genetic makeup
Genotype
the complete set of genes in an individual
Zone of intolerance
the environmental conditions are so far removed from an organism's optimal range that the organism cannot survive
Species richness
the number of species within a given area of a group (e.g. number of different types of trees)
Realized niche
the range of abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species actually lives as a result of limiting factors
Zone of physiological stress
when the range of environmental conditions is not comfortable for an organism; its body is not working at its optimal, only small numbers can survive these difficult conditions
Reproductive isolation
when two species are in the same geographic area, but do not reproduce because they recognize each other as being different species, or they have different reproductive seasons or rituals. They may also be separated by lifestyles.
Geographic isolation
when two species are physically in different locations so that they cannot reproduce
Speciation
when two species arise from one
Fundamental niche
The full range of environmental conditions and resources an organism can possibly occupy and use, especially when limiting factors are absent in its habitat.
