Island Biogeography and Ecological Tolerance

Flashcards covering key concepts about island biogeography and ecological tolerance, including definitions and important terms.

Island Biogeography

The study of the ecological relationships and distribution of organisms on islands, and of these organisms' community structures.

Colonization

The process by which new species arrive and establish populations on islands.

Founder Effect

The reduced genetic diversity which results when a population is descended from a small number of colonizing ancestors.

Endemism

Species that are found nowhere else on earth.

Ecological Tolerance

The range of conditions that an organism can endure before injury or death results.

Limiting Factor

A factor that restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or population.

Species Richness

The number of different species represented in a given ecological community.

Niches

Roles or functions of organisms within an ecosystem.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt ecosystems and outcompete native species.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect ecosystems, such as temperature and water.