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Ecology

Chloe Sanchez

Chloe Sanchez

10 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP Biology study guide covers Ecology (Unit 8), focusing on interactions between organisms and their environment, energy flow, biodiversity, and ecosystem change, especially due to disruptions. Key concepts include population dynamics, community structure, species interactions (e.g., mutualism, predation, competition), and the roles of keystone species. It also emphasizes the importance of energy acquisition and transfer within ecosystems, and factors influencing population growth like carrying capacity and density-dependent/independent factors.

AP Biology: Ecology - The Night Before Review 🚀

Hey there, future biologist! Let's get you prepped for the AP Biology exam with a super-focused review of Ecology (Unit 8). Remember, you've got this! 💪

Ecology is a big deal, making up a significant chunk of the exam. It ties together everything you've learned about interactions, energy, and change. Focus on understanding how systems respond to disruptions and the importance of biodiversity.

🔗 Key Concepts

Core Ideas

  • Interactions: Organisms don't live in isolation; they're constantly interacting with each other and their environment.
  • Energy Flow: How energy moves through an ecosystem is crucial for its health and stability.
  • Biodiversity: A diverse ecosystem is a resilient ecosystem.
  • Change: Ecosystems are dynamic and constantly changing, especially in response to disruptions.

Key Terms

🤔 Sample Big Idea Questions

Diversity and Evolution

  • Question: How does diversity among and between species in a biological system affect the evolution of species within the system?
  • Answer: High biodiversity = more genetic traits = better adaptation. Diverse ecosystems are more stable and resilient.

Energy and System Health

  • Question: How does the acquisition of energy relate to the health of a biological system?
  • Answer: Energy flow is crucial. Disruptions in energy flow can cause a domino effect. Efficient energy flow supports greater diversity and abundance.
Key Concept

Energy flow is a cornerstone of ecological health. Understanding how energy moves through different trophic levels is essential for predicting the effects of environmental changes.

Community and Ecosystem Change

  • Question: How do communities and ecosystems change, for better or worse, due to biological disruption?
  • Answer: Loss of a keystone species = negative cascading effects. Introduction of a new species = possible increase in biodiversity. Changes can be positive or negative.

Disruption and Genetic Information

  • Question: How does a disruption of a biological system affect genetic information storage and transmission?
  • Answer: Reduced population size = reduced genetic diversity. Slow population recovery = reduced genetic transmission.

Species Interactions and Ecosystem Survival

  • Question: How do species interactions affect the survival of an ecosystem?
  • Answer: Predator-prey interactions control populations. Mutualistic interactions maintain health and productivity. Disruptions in interactions can destabilize the ecosystem.
Practice Question
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{
  "multiple_choice_questions": [
    {
      "question": "Which of the following best describes the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?",
      "options": [
        "A) A species that is the most abundant in the ecosystem.",
        "B) A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to i...