biodiversity topic 4 overview

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, encompassing all organisms, species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.

Genetic Diversity

Variation in genes within a species (e.g., different dog breeds).

Species Diversity

Variety of species in an ecosystem or on Earth (e.g., mammals, insects).

Ecosystem Diversity

Range of different habitats, communities, and ecosystems in an area.

Ecosystem Services

Supports ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

Biological Classification

The systematic grouping of organisms based on shared characteristics.

Taxonomy

The hierarchical system: Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.

Mnemonic for Taxonomy

"Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup."

Binomial Nomenclature

Developed by Carl Linnaeus; each species has a two-part Latin name (Genus species).

Adaptations

Traits that improve an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

Natural Selection

Proposed by Charles Darwin; organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

Decomposers

Fungi and bacteria that recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organisms.

Niche

The role and position of a species within its environment, including its habitat and resource use.

Keystone Species

A species with a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance.

Ecological Succession

The process of change in the species composition of an ecosystem over time.

Primary Succession

Occurs in lifeless areas where pioneer species colonize first.

Secondary Succession

Follows a disturbance where soil remains and life can reestablish.

Human Impact on Ecosystems

Includes deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction.

Biotic Factors

The living components of an ecosystem, such as producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Abiotic Factors

The non-living components of an ecosystem that influence living organisms.

Importance of Balance

Ecosystems function optimally when biotic and abiotic factors are in balance.

Trophic Levels

The hierarchical levels of energy flow in an ecosystem.

Biomes

Large ecosystems classified by climate, vegetation, and animal life (e.g., tundra, rainforest).