Population Growth

Abiotic factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem such as temperature, light availability, water, and soil nutrients that influence the distribution and abundance of species.

r-selected species

Species characterized by high reproductive rates, short lifespan, quick reproductive maturity, and minimal parental care.

K-selected species

Species characterized by lower reproductive rates, longer lifespan, longer time to reach reproductive maturity, and significant parental care.

Generalist species

Species that can exploit a wide range of resources and adapt to various habitats, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments.

Specialist species

Species that rely on a specific set of resources and have a narrow habitat preference, making them more vulnerable to changes.

Ecological disturbances

Events such as natural disasters that disrupt an ecosystem and can affect the survival of different species.

Ecological succession

The process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time, usually following a disturbance.

Pioneering species

Species that first colonize a disturbed area, leading to increased biodiversity over time.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a given ecosystem, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic diversity

The variation in genes within a species that enables adaptation and resilience to changing environments.

Species diversity

The variety of different species within a habitat, which promotes ecosystem stability and function.

Ecosystem diversity

The variety of ecosystems in a certain area, supporting a wider range of species and genetic diversity.

Provisioning services

Products obtained from ecosystems, including food, fresh water, wood, and fiber.

Regulating services

Ecosystem services that help regulate natural processes such as climate regulation and water purification.

Cultural services

Non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems, such as recreation and spiritual enrichment.

Supporting services

Necessary services for the production of other ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling and soil formation.

Biodiversity preservation

The importance of maintaining diverse ecosystems for future drug discovery and innovation.

Primary causes of biodiversity loss

Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species.

Human health

Health influenced by the degradation of ecosystems and access to clean air, water, and food security.

Planetary health

The health of the natural systems, which directly affects human health and sustainability.

Abiotic conditions

Non-living environmental factors (e.g., temperature, precipitation) that can threaten species survival.

Chemical pollution

Contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges that can harm ecosystems and biodiversity.

Invasive species

Species introduced to a new habitat that can disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native species.

Stable environment

An ecosystem condition that allows specialists to thrive, relying on a stable set of resources.

Life history strategy

The pattern of traits (e.g., age at maturity, reproductive strategy) that affects an organism's reproduction and survival.

r-strategists

Species that thrive in unstable conditions, producing many offspring with low parental investment.

K-strategists

Species that thrive in stable environments, producing fewer offspring with high parental investment.

Population decline

A decrease in the number of individuals in a species, often due to ecological disturbances.

Ecosystem resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and maintain functionality.

Nutrient cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Ecotourism

Tourism directed towards exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts.

Agricultural impact

The effects of farming practices on ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Sustainable practices

Methods aimed at meeting current human needs while preserving the environment for future generations.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, where life interacts with the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.