Biodiversity Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to biodiversity.

Biodiversity

The variety and quantity of species in an ecosystem.

Invasive Species

A non-native species that adversely affects the habitats and bioregions they invade.

Keystone Species

A species that influences the survival of many other species; its removal can disrupt the ecosystem balance.

Genetic Variation

Variation among individuals within a species.

Species Variation

Differences between species.

Annual Plants

Plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season.

Perennial Plants

Plants that live for more than two years.

Softwood Trees

Trees that are typically from coniferous species, such as pines.

Hardwood Trees

Trees that are typically from deciduous species.

Resource availability

The availability of essential resources that influence biodiversity.

Ecosystem Equilibrium

The balance of various species and their environment within an ecosystem.

Southern Pine Beetle

An invasive species that affects pine trees by disrupting food transport.

Prairie Dogs

A keystone species that supports many other species by maintaining the health of grasslands.

Yellowstone Wolves

Wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone, impacting the ecosystem significantly.

Kelp Forests

Dense ecosystems of brown algae that provide habitat and food for various marine species.