Unit 2 Flashcards
IMPORTANT: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7
What are the levels of biodiversity?
Biodiversity, genetic diversity, species diversity, habitat diversity
These levels are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
What is the bottleneck effect?
A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities
This can lead to reduced genetic diversity.
How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience?
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience by providing a wider range of genetic, species, and habitat diversity
Resilient ecosystems can better withstand and recover from disturbances.
What is habitat loss?
The destruction or degradation of a natural habitat
Often caused by human activities such as deforestation and urban development.
What is the difference between specialist and generalist species?
Specialist species have narrow niches, while generalist species have broad niches
Generalist species can thrive in a variety of environments.
Define species richness.
The number of different species present in a given area
It is a measure of biodiversity.
Define species evenness.
The relative abundance of different species in a given area
It reflects how evenly individuals are distributed among the species.
What are the types of ecosystem services?
Provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting
These services are essential for human survival and well-being.
What are anthropogenic disruptions of ecosystems?
Disruptions caused by human activities
Examples include pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Describe island biogeography.
The study of the distribution of species on islands and the factors that affect this distribution
Key factors include evolution, limited resources, and invasive species.
What does ecological tolerance refer to?
The range of conditions that an organism can endure before suffering harm
Conditions include salinity, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.
What are the types of natural disruptions that impact ecosystems?
Periodic, episodic, or random disruptions
Examples include climate change and geological events.
What are the potential responses of organisms to environmental changes?
Adapt, move, or die
These responses depend on the severity of the change.
What is primary succession?
The process of ecosystem development on newly exposed surfaces
It starts without soil, often after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat.
What is secondary succession?
The process of ecosystem recovery after a disturbance that does not destroy the soil
Common after events like forest fires or floods.
Define keystone species.
A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance
Their removal can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.
What is an indicator species?
A species that indicates the health of an ecosystem
Their presence or absence can signal changes in environmental conditions.
What are pioneer species?
Species that are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems
They play a crucial role in ecological succession.
What is speciation?
The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution
It can occur through various mechanisms, including geographic isolation.
