Unit 2 APES Test

Biodiversity

The variety of life found on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic Diversity

Variation within species, such as genetic traits for disease resistance in populations.

Species Richness

The number of species in a given area.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems within a region.

Evolution

Change in the genetic composition of a population over time.

Microevolution

Changes that occur within a species, such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Macroevolution

Evolution that results in new species, genera, families, etc.

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Allopatric Speciation

Speciation that occurs due to geographic isolation leading to reproductive isolation.

Mass Extinctions

Widespread, rapid biodiversity loss affecting a large number of species.

Fundamental Niche

The full range of conditions under which a species can survive.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions where a species lives, taking into account competition and predators.

Niche Generalists

Species with a broad tolerance for environmental conditions.

Niche Specialists

Species that thrive in specific, narrow environmental conditions.

Species Dispersal

The movement of species across geographic ranges.

Range of Tolerance

The range of environmental conditions within which a species can survive.

Fitness

The ability to survive and reproduce in a given environment.

Adaptations

Traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

Founder Effect

A form of genetic drift that occurs when a small group starts a new population.

Bottleneck Effect

A sharp reduction in population size, leading to decreased genetic diversity.

Artificial Selection

Human-driven selection of traits in species, such as in agriculture or dog breeding.