diversity and trophic structure Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is species diversity?
The variety of different kinds of organisms that make up a community.
What are the two components of species diversity?
Species richness: Number of different species in a community.
Relative abundance: Proportion each species represents of all individuals.
Why are higher-diversity communities more resistant to invasive species?
More diversity makes it harder for invaders to establish themselves.
What is trophic structure?
Feeding relationships between organisms that transfer food energy up trophic levels.
What is a food chain?
The linear transfer of energy from primary producers to consumers and decomposers.
What is a food web?
A network of linked food chains.
What are dominant species?
Species that are most abundant or have the highest biomass.
Why might a species become dominant?
Better at exploiting resources.
Better at avoiding predators or disease.
What are keystone species?
Species that have a strong effect on community structure despite low abundance.
What are ecosystem engineers?
Organisms that change the physical environment, affecting other species positively or negatively.
