(countable) An extremely large habitat or settlement, sufficient to maintain an internal ecology as well as an extremely high human population density.
The ecogeographic principle that, within a broadly distributed taxonomic clade, populations and species of larger size are found in colder environments, and species of smaller size are found in warmer regions.
(ecology) A community (group of interdependent organisms interacting with one another) which, through the process of ecological succession (the development of vegetation in an area over time), has reached a steady state.
(ecology) A geographically isolated population of a species that shows differentiation from other populations of the same species; becomes a subspecies or ecotype
(ecology) Regulation of population growth by mechanisms controlled by the size of the population; especially the curtailment of growth by crowding, predators and competition
(ecology) The process of successful establishment of a plant or animal species in a habitat that was barren previously/ or was left barren due to some catastrophe.
A gradation from one ecosystem to another when there is no sharp boundary between the two. It is the joint expression of associated community (coenocline) and complex environmental gradients.
An ecological habitat on the scale of individual organisms sharing space. Many ecotopes together, either adjacent or overlapping, make up an eco-region or larger unit.
The integrated study of factors that influence the environment and environmental systems, especially the interaction of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment.
(ecology) The situation of a rapid ecological change triggering decisions about choice of habitat that are detrimental for an individual; an ecological trap.
Alternative spelling of life cycle [(biology) The course of stages through which an organism passes from fertilized zygote until maturity, reproduction, and death.]
(ecology) An area of vegetation around a body of water that gives benefits to the ecosystem in the body of water. It can provide shade, a food source, and a buffer against pollution from outside sources.
(ecology) A natural succession of animal or plant communities in an ecosystem, especially a series of communities succeeding one another from the time a habitat is unoccupied to the point when a climax community is achieved.
(ecology) A strip of vegetation that differs from its surrounding environment and which connects otherwise separate habitat areas.
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