APES Biodiversity

Components of Natural Selection

The four components are genetic variation, overproduction of offspring, struggle for existence, and differential survival and reproduction.

Adaptations

Natural or artificial processes that create a new trait in a species that improves its fitness.

Extinction

The complete loss of a species leading to no living organisms remaining.

Background extinction rate

The natural rate of extinction that occurs over time, which is lower than rates during mass extinctions.

Mass extinction

A rapid and widespread decrease in biodiversity, resulting in the extinction of a large number of species.

Biodiversity Hotspot Criteria

Areas must have a high number of endemic species and a significant number of total species.

Genetic Diversity

Variation in genes within a population affecting its adaptability.

Species Diversity

The number of different species within a particular region or ecosystem.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of different ecosystems in a particular area.

HIPPCO

An acronym representing factors contributing to biodiversity loss: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, Overharvesting.

Ecological Niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including abiotic factors for survival.

Generalist Species

Species that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions.

Specialist Species

Species that require specific environmental conditions to thrive.

Resilience

The speed at which an ecosystem recovers from disturbances.

Resistance (Inertia)

The ability of an ecosystem to remain stable even when subjected to disturbances.

Primary Succession

The process of community development starting from bare rock, igneous formations, or areas devoid of soil.

Secondary Succession

The process of recovery that occurs after a disturbance that leaves the soil intact.

Clear-Cutting Timber

A logging practice that removes all trees in an area at once, impacting ecosystems significantly.

Selective Harvesting

Only specific trees are removed based on criteria, allowing for some ecological benefits but potential habitat disruption.

Ecosystem Services

Natural processes that provide resources like clean water, timber, and food, benefiting human life.

Invasive Species

Nonnative species that spread rapidly and disrupt ecosystems, often due to advantageous traits.

Fundamental Niche

The full potential range of conditions where a species can survive, grow, and reproduce.

Realized Niche

The range of conditions under which a species actually exists due to competition and other factors.

Exponential Growth

Population growth that occurs in an ideal environment with unlimited resources.

Logistical Growth

Growth that considers environmental limitations, stabilizing at carrying capacity.

Distribution of Species

The spatial arrangement of individuals in a given area, commonly found in uniform, clumped, or random patterns.

Fire in Ecosystems

Natural fires can clear dead vegetation and promote new growth; human activity often exacerbates fire intensity.