All Flashcards
Define Biodiversity.
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Define Species Diversity.
The total number of different species in an ecosystem.
Define Species Richness.
The number of different species present in a given area.
Define Species Evenness.
How evenly distributed the species are in an ecosystem.
Define Genetic Diversity.
The variety of genes within a species.
Define Alleles.
Different versions of a gene.
Define Phenotypes.
The physical traits that result from genes.
Define Ecosystem Services.
The benefits humans get from the natural world.
Define Ecological Tolerance.
The range of conditions a species can survive in.
Define Resistance.
The ability to withstand a disturbance.
Define Resilience.
The ability to recover from a disturbance.
Define Ecological Succession.
The process of ecosystem recovery after a disturbance.
Define Pioneer Species.
The first species to colonize a disturbed area.
Define Primary Succession.
Succession that starts with no soil.
Define Secondary Succession.
Succession that starts with soil already present.
What is the ecological relevance of biodiversity?
It measures the importance of an area based on its biodiversity, helping us decide where to build or conserve.
Why is high species diversity important?
It usually means a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.
Why is high genetic diversity important?
It means a population is more resilient to changes and disturbances.
Why are ecosystem services important for humans?
Humans depend on ecosystem services for survival; without them, life as we know it wouldn't be possible.
Explain the importance of regulating ecosystem services.
They keep our environment stable through natural processes like climate regulation and water purification.
Explain the importance of supporting ecosystem services.
They are the basic processes that allow all other ecosystem services to exist, such as nutrient cycling and soil formation.
What determines a species' ecological tolerance?
The range of conditions (temperature, water, etc.) that a species can survive in.
Why are natural disruptions important to ecosystems?
They are part of the Earth's natural cycles and can create opportunities for new growth and change.
What role do pioneer species play in ecological succession?
They are the first species to colonize a disturbed area, preparing the way for other species to follow.
How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability?
High biodiversity makes ecosystems more stable and able to bounce back from disasters due to a wider range of species and genetic diversity.
What are the effects of low species evenness?
Ecosystems are less resilient and more vulnerable to disturbances because a few dominant species control resources.
What are the effects of low genetic diversity?
Populations are more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes, increasing the risk of extinction.
What are the consequences of losing ecosystem services?
Loss of clean water, decreased pollination, increased climate instability, reduced food production, and overall decline in human well-being.
How do natural disruptions affect ecosystems?
They can change ecosystems, sometimes drastically, by destroying habitats, altering nutrient cycles, and causing shifts in species composition.