All Flashcards
Define Island Biogeography Theory.
Explains how island size and location affect species number, balancing immigration and extinction.
What are endemic species?
Species native to a specific area, often specialists, vulnerable to change.
Define invasive species.
Non-native species that spread rapidly, causing harm, often generalists.
What is adaptive radiation?
Evolution of many species from a single ancestor, each filling a different niche.
Define immigration in IBT.
The arrival of new species to an island.
Define extinction in IBT.
The dying out of species already present on an island.
Define species richness.
The number of different species represented in an ecological community, landscape or region.
What is a generalist species?
A species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and make use of a variety of different resources.
What is a specialist species?
A species that can thrive only in a narrow range of environmental conditions or has a limited diet.
Define ecological niche.
The role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces.
What is the effect of introducing an invasive species?
Displacement of endemics, habitat alteration, and economic costs.
What causes adaptive radiation?
Limited immigration and varied environmental pressures on islands.
How does island size affect species survival?
Larger islands support larger populations, reducing extinction risk.
How does distance from the mainland affect immigration?
Closer islands have higher immigration rates due to easier accessibility.
What are the consequences of habitat alteration by invasive species?
Changes in ecosystem structure and function, impacting native species.
What is the effect of a lack of natural predators on invasive species?
Population explosions and rapid spread of invasive species.
What is the effect of increased competition on extinction rates?
Increased competition leads to higher extinction rates as resources become limited.
How does geographic isolation contribute to speciation?
Geographic isolation prevents gene flow, allowing populations to diverge and form new species.
What are the economic effects of invasive species?
Significant damage to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, leading to economic losses.
How does the introduction of a generalist species affect an ecosystem?
Generalist species can outcompete specialists, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
Define Island Biogeography Theory.
Explains how island size and distance from the mainland affect species richness, balancing immigration and extinction.
Define Immigration (in IBT).
The arrival of new species on an island.
Define Extinction (in IBT).
The dying out of species already present on an island.
Define Endemic Species.
Species native to a specific area, often specialists.
Define Invasive Species.
Non-native species that spread rapidly and cause harm, often generalists.
Define Adaptive Radiation.
The evolution of many new species from a single ancestor, each filling a different niche.
Define Species Richness.
The number of different species represented in an ecological community, landscape or region.
Define Generalist Species.
Species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and make use of a variety of different resources.
Define Specialist Species.
Species that thrive only in a narrow range of environmental conditions or has a limited diet.
Define Ecological Niche.
The role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces.