Marine Science Biodiversity

Biodiversity definition

Is the measure of species, genetics, and ecosystem variation

Species Diversity

Measure of abundance and richness of species in a particular area, one time

Genetic Diversity

variety of gene alleles within a species

Ecological Diversity

The measure of ecosystems/habitats at a global level, at one time.

Importance of having high biodiversity habitats

-Protecting the physical environment - having root systems of marine plants help protect habitats and sandy beaches from incoming waves from tropical storms. As the marine plants absorb the power of waves and storms.

-Climate Control - producers generate more carbon sink for photosynthesis, which prevents the increase of ocean acidification and global warming, and more oxygen.

-Providing food - Marine producers provide food, nutrients, and shelter for marine organisms in food webs and humans

-Maintain stable ecosystems - Ecosystems with high biodiversity tend to be less affected by ecological change, as supposed to habitats with low biodiversity

-Source of medicine

Ecosystem

Is all of the living organisms and non-living organisms acting on them.

Habitat

Natural environment where organisms live.

Species

Similar organisms that interbreed naturally to produce offspring

Endemic Species

Same species found in one area.

Population

All of the same species of organisms living in the same place at the same time.

Carrying Capacity

Largest population that can be sustained by resources.

Community

Is all of the populations living in a habitat at the same time

Biomes

Communities extended over large areas of the globe.

Niche

role of a species within an ecosystem

Relationships

Feeding relationships - organisms try to avoid competition of food.

Spatial - Two species with same feeding relationship but different areas.

Temporal - Same species with same feeding relationship and area, but at different times.

Fundamental niche

There is no competition

Specialized niche

Organisms with a narrow range of food living in a specific habitat. E.g Butterfly fish

Generalized Niche

Organisms with a wider range of food live in different ranges of habitats. E.g Tuna