Ecosystems and Biodiversity Review

Practice flashcards covering biodiversity, ecosystem interactions, ecological roles, and ecosystem services based on the lecture notes.

What are the three primary reasons ecosystems are protected?

To protect biodiversity and ecosystem services, protect endangered species, and protect culturally significant areas.

Define resilience in the context of an ecosystem.

The ability to bounce back, recover, and return to normal following a disturbance.

What is ecosystem stability?

A state where an ecosystem functions normally.

What are two examples of ecosystem disturbances given in the transcript?

A hurricane and a wildfire.

What is the most common definition of biodiversity used in this class?

The variety of different species on earth.

How is genetic diversity defined?

The differences and variation in a population's gene pool.

Define species diversity and its benefit to an ecosystem.

The number and types of species in an ecosystem; it ensures there are many different organisms to fill the different ecological niches.

What is ecosystem diversity?

The variety of different habitats, communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere; it ensures there are plenty of spaces and resources for organisms to live and survive.

What is an organism's niche?

Its role or function in an ecosystem.

What is the specific role of a decomposer?

To break down all dead organisms and return nutrients to the ecosystem.

What definition is provided for extinction?

The permanent death of a species, meaning the species is gone and died off.

Which organism is listed in the notes as an example of an endangered species?

Axolotal

What is critical habitat?

An area that includes the biotic (living) and abiotic (non living) factors needed for an endangered species.

Which ecosystem service involves predators like bats and possums keeping insect populations low?

Pest Control

How do wetlands provide storm protection?

They protect coastal communities by absorbing excess water from natural disasters like hurricanes and preventing beach erosion.

What role do trees play in the ecosystem service of carbon storage?

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their leaves, stems, and roots, trapping it instead of returning it to the atmosphere.

What is a producer (autotroph)?

An organism that captures energy from the sun in order to make food and serves as the foundation of a food chain.

Define keystone species.

A species that exerts strong control on ecosystem structure and biodiversity relative to its abundance; its removal significantly alters food web dynamics and resource availability.

What is an invasive species?

A species that migrates into, or is deliberately or accidentally introduced into an ecosystem and competes with native species, resulting in disruption and harm.

What is the hierarchy of organization in the living world?

Organism $\rightarrow$ Population $\rightarrow$ Community $\rightarrow$ Ecosystem $\rightarrow$ Biome $\rightarrow$ Biosphere.

Define mutualism and provide the symbol used in the transcript.

A relationship where both organisms benefit; symbolized as ($+/+$).

What benefit does zooxanthellae algae provide to coral reefs?

The algae perform photosynthesis, supplying the coral with up to $90 \times 10^{0} \text{ percent}$ of its energy and nutrients.

What is coral bleaching?

A process occurring as global ocean temperatures rise where heat-stressed corals expel their algae, leaving the corals vulnerable to starvation and disease.

What is an ecosystem engineer?

An organism that changes the environment, which can help or harm other organisms.

What happens to energy levels as you move up a food web?

Energy is LOST as you move up a food web.