Species in a community Flashcards
1
Q
What are dominant species?
A
- Most abundant (largest biomass)
- Removal can cause decrease in biodiversity
- ALWAYS producers
2
Q
Example of dominant species
A
American Chestnut Tree
3
Q
What are keystone species?
A
- Can greatly affect the population density and the health of an ecosystem
- Crucial role in habitats
- Can be plants and animals
4
Q
Example of keystone species
A
Wolves
5
Q
What are Indicator species?
A
- Organisms that are easily affected by changes in the environment
- Show problems exist
6
Q
Example of an indicator species
A
Frogs (live in land and water)
7
Q
What are ecosystem engineers?
A
Species that cause dramatic changes to the landscape such that a new ecosystem is created
8
Q
Example of an ecosystem engineer
A
Beavers
9
Q
What is an ecological niche?
A
An organisms “job” in an ecosystem
10
Q
3 Examples of ecological niches
A
- Its place in the food web
- Where it lives
- The time of the day it is active
