Glossary
Alleles
Different versions of a gene, contributing to the genetic diversity within a species.
Example:
The different coat colors seen in a population of wolves are due to various alleles for fur pigmentation.
Biodiversity
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems.
Example:
A tropical rainforest with thousands of different plant and animal species exhibits high biodiversity.
Cultural Services
Non-material benefits that humans gain from ecosystems, enhancing quality of life.
Example:
Hiking in a national park for recreation or finding spiritual solace in a natural landscape are cultural services.
Ecological Relevance
A measure of the importance of an area based on its biodiversity, guiding decisions for conservation and development.
Example:
Scientists assess the ecological relevance of a wetland before approving a new construction project nearby.
Ecological Succession
The predictable process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time, especially after a disturbance.
Example:
After a logging operation, a forest undergoes ecological succession as new plants and animals colonize the area.
Ecological Tolerance
The range of environmental conditions, such as temperature or pH, within which a species can survive and reproduce.
Example:
A desert cactus has a high ecological tolerance for extreme heat and low water availability.
Ecosystem Services
The essential benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems, crucial for survival and well-being.
Example:
The clean air we breathe and the fresh water we drink are examples of vital ecosystem services.
Genetic Diversity
The variety of genes within a single species, which enhances a population's ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Example:
A population of wild salmon with many different gene variations for disease resistance has high genetic diversity.
Metabolic Processes
Slow but drastic changes in ecosystems caused by fundamental chemical and biological processes, such as nutrient cycles.
Example:
The gradual accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere over centuries due to natural metabolic processes can lead to long-term climate shifts.
Natural Disruptions
Events caused by natural processes that significantly alter ecosystems, often leading to changes in species composition or structure.
Example:
A volcanic eruption or a major hurricane are examples of natural disruptions to ecosystems.
Phenotypes
The observable physical traits or characteristics that result from an organism's genes and environmental interactions.
Example:
A plant's height, flower color, and leaf shape are all examples of its phenotypes.
Pioneer Species
The first species to colonize a newly disturbed or barren area, often hardy and fast-growing organisms.
Example:
Lichens and mosses are classic pioneer species that can grow on bare rock, beginning the process of soil formation.
Primary Succession
Ecological succession that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on newly formed volcanic rock or sand dunes.
Example:
The gradual development of plant life on a new island formed by a volcanic eruption is an example of primary succession.
Provisioning Services
Direct products or goods that humans obtain from ecosystems.
Example:
Harvesting wild berries for food or timber for construction are examples of provisioning services.
Regulating Services
Natural processes that help maintain environmental conditions stable and habitable for life.
Example:
Wetlands filtering pollutants from water or forests absorbing carbon dioxide are examples of regulating services.
Resilience
The ability of an ecosystem or species to recover and return to its original state after a disturbance.
Example:
A grassland that quickly regrows after a wildfire demonstrates high resilience.
Resistance
The ability of an ecosystem or species to withstand or resist a disturbance without undergoing significant change.
Example:
A mature forest with deep roots might show high resistance to a moderate windstorm.
Secondary Succession
Ecological succession that occurs in an area where a disturbance has removed existing vegetation but the soil remains intact.
Example:
A field that was once farmed and then abandoned will undergo secondary succession as weeds, grasses, and eventually trees grow back.
Shannon's Index
A mathematical formula used to quantify species diversity by considering both species richness and species evenness.
Example:
Ecologists use Shannon's Index to compare the biodiversity of two different forest plots.
Species Diversity
The total number of different species in an ecosystem, often indicating its health and stability.
Example:
A coral reef teeming with various fish, invertebrates, and algae demonstrates high species diversity.
Species Evenness
How evenly distributed the populations of different species are within an ecosystem.
Example:
A forest with roughly equal numbers of oak, maple, and pine trees shows high species evenness.
Species Richness
The number of different species present in a given area or ecosystem.
Example:
If a park has 25 different types of birds, its bird species richness is 25.
Supporting Services
Fundamental natural processes that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services.
Example:
The cycling of nutrients in soil and the process of photosynthesis are crucial supporting services.