Ecosystem Goods and Services Overview

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts regarding ecosystem goods and services, biodiversity, and ecological relationships.

Ecosystem Goods and Services

Benefits that humans receive from nature, forming the foundation of well-being.

Provisioning Services

Ecosystem services that provide materials such as food, fresh water, and wood.

Regulating Services

Ecosystem services that regulate natural processes, like climate and pollution.

Supporting Services

Ecosystem functions that support other services, including nutrient cycling and soil formation.

Cultural Services

Non-material benefits from ecosystems that enrich human life, such as recreation and aesthetics.

Tragedy of the Commons

The situation where shared resources are overused and depleted because individuals act in their own self-interest.

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, including different organisms, species, and genetic diversity.

Habitat

The physical surroundings in which a species can normally be found.

Niche

An organism's role within its habitat, including its behaviors and resource usage.

Keystone Species

Species that play a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms.

Mutualism

A type of relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Pollinators

Organisms, such as insects, that help in the reproduction of plants by transferring pollen.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely and can cause harm to native ecosystems.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Generalist Species

Species that can thrive in a variety of habitats and adapt to different environmental conditions.

Specialist Species

Species that have specific habitat and dietary requirements, making them vulnerable to changes.

Ecosystem Health

The condition of an ecosystem in terms of its structure, composition, and functioning.

Ecological Dominance

The presence of a few species that are abundant and have significant influence within a community.