8.6: Biodiversity

How adaptable to changes in the environment are more diverse ecosystems?

they are more adaptable

What can diversity of species within an ecosystem influence?

can influence organization of the ecosystem

How can ecosystems be stabilized?

with more diversity

What do abiotic and biotic factors do?

they help maintain ecosystem diversity

What are examples of abiotic factors?

1) climate

2) water & nutrient availability

3) light availability

What are examples of biotic factors?

1) producers (many populations depend on them for food & habitats)

2) dominant predators

What do dominant predators do?

help keep prey populations under control

What is a keystone species?

a species the community structure depends on; typically have a smaller population than other populations in the community; when they are removed the ecosystem often collapses

ex: wolves, beavers, sharks, sea stars

What can overpopulation of prey species do?

deplete resources

How is the African elephant a keystone species?

1) tusks are used to dig up riverbeds, creating watering holes for many animals

2) dung provides habitats for insects & helps distribute seeds

3) feeding behaviors influence landscape(removal of trees & shrubs provide pathways for other animals)