Unit 2 The Living World: Biodiversity

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, genetic diversity, and ecological adaptations, providing essential definitions and explanations to prepare for the exam.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world, including genetic, species, and habitat diversity.

Genetic Diversity

The variation of genes within a species, which contributes to the ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Species Diversity

The number of different species and the abundance of each species within a certain area.

Habitat Diversity

The range of different habitats in a given area, contributing to ecosystem diversity.

Species Richness

The total number of different species present in a given area.

Species Evenness

A measure of how equal the populations of different species are within a community.

Gene Pool

The complete set of genetic information within a population.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Adaptation

A change or adjustment that improves an organism's ability to survive in a particular environment.

Population Bottleneck

A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities.

Ecological Tolerance

The range of environmental conditions that a species can endure before injury or death occurs.

Provisioning Services

Ecosystem services that provide direct benefits to humans, such as food and water.

Regulating Services

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

Cultural Services

Non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems, including recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and cultural heritage.

Supporting Services

Processes that support other ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling and habitat provision.

Anthropogenic Activities

Human activities that impact the environment, often leading to degradation of ecosystem services.

Island Biogeography

The study of the factors that affect the species richness of isolated natural communities.

Keystone Species

Species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

Indicator Species

Species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition.

Succession

The process of change in the species composition of a community over time.

Primary Succession

Starts from bare rock where plants and animals create soil and nutrients

Ex. Volcanic eruptions

Secondary Succession

Soil is already in place, animals and plants move in 

Ex. forest fire 

Pioneer Species

First species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, starting the process of succession.