ch 21 biol 341

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts relevant to landscape ecology and succession, helping with the understanding of how ecosystems and landscapes are structured and influenced.

Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Primary Succession

The colonization of new sites not previously occupied by life, e.g., after a lava flow.

Secondary Succession

Succession that occurs in an area where an ecosystem has previously existed, e.g., after a flood.

Climax Community

A stable community that is the end point of succession, remaining relatively unchanged until disrupted.

Ecotone

A transitional area between two adjacent ecosystems, often featuring higher species richness.

Edge Effects

Changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats.

Metapopulations

Groups of populations that are separated by space but consist of the same species, influencing movement between suitable habitats.

Habitat Corridors

Connective strips of habitat that facilitate movement between separate patches.

Ecosystem Engineers

Species that significantly modify their environment, creating changes that affect the entire ecosystem.

Landscape Ecology

The study of interactions between spatial patterns and ecological processes across landscapes.

Patch

A relatively homogeneous area that differs from its surroundings, such as a forested area within agricultural fields.