Glossary of Ecology - I

I

• ion exchange - A reversible chemical reaction when ions with the same charge can be switched. This can be used in purification of a substance.
• illegitimate receiver - when one species detects another species scent and kills it in defense.
• illegitimate signaler - a predatory species will mimic signals to lure in their prey
• immigration - The one-way inward movement of individuals or into another population or population area.
• imprinting - a time-dependent form of learning triggered by exposure to sign stimuli
• indicator species - is any biological species that defines a trait or characteristic of the environment. The presence and/or abundance of organisms of these species are typically used to indicate the health and an ecosystem
• instinctive behavior - occurs when an animal has a particular internal state while it is in the presence of an external stimulation called a releaser
• Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis - a theory that tries to predict how a species diversity will change with changing levels of disturbance
• interspecific competition - this occurs when different species try to use the same resources in an environment
• Intertidal zone - Area exposed to the air during low tide.
• invasive species - a non-native species whose introduction to an area is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health