Species Diversity in Communities

Flashcards containing key vocabulary terms and definitions related to species diversity and its ecological implications.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions that are rich in species diversity but threatened by human activities.

Species Richness

The number of different species represented in a particular ecological community.

Regional Species Pool

The total set of species that can potentially inhabit a particular area.

Community Membership Filters

Factors that determine which species can become part of a local community, including dispersal, environmental conditions, and species interactions.

Resource Partitioning

The process by which competing species use the environment differently in a way that helps them to coexist.

Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

The idea that moderate levels of disturbance can foster greater species diversity than either high or low levels of disturbance.

Biotic Resistance

The ability of native species to resist invasion by non-native species through competition or other interactions.

Positive Interactions

Interactions between species that enhance the fitness of at least one species and have neutral or positive effects on others.

Diversity-Stability Theory

The hypothesis that species-rich communities are more stable over time than species-poor communities.

Ecological Function

The processes through which ecosystems maintain their structure and functionality.

Driver and Passenger Hypothesis

A model where certain species (drivers) strongly affect community dynamics while others (passengers) have minimal impact.

Lottery Model

A theoretical model that suggests species diversity is maintained by chance occurrences that allow different species to utilize resources.

Ecosystem Function Services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including water purification, food production, and climate regulation.

Climate Change Effects

Changes in climate patterns that impact species interactions and community compositions.

Disturbance Mediation

Processes that involve disturbances and how they affect species availability and diversity.