Biodiversity, Niches, and Ecosystem Dynamics

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing ecosystem services, biodiversity threats, keystone species, fundamental and realized niches, and generalist vs. specialist adaptation strategies.

Top Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat change or degradation and invasive species, identified as the primary drivers of biodiversity loss ahead of population, pollution, and climate change.

Niche

The specific role or function that a species plays within its ecosystem.

Ecosystem Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances, such as disease or natural disasters, and recover quickly due to high biodiversity and overlapping species roles.

Ecotourism

A human-centered economic benefit derived from ecosystems where money is generated by showcasing healthy, intact environments.

Pacific yew

A wooden shrub native to the Pacific Northwest used to produce medication for treating ovarian cancer.

Keystone Species

A species that plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function, such as honeybees acting as primary crop pollinators.

Net Primary Productivity

The net rate of energy production in an ecosystem, which increases and yields higher total crop outputs per acre in areas with higher biodiversity.

Intrinsic Value

The philosophical principle that species have an inherent right to exist regardless of whether they provide direct benefits or utility to humans.

Fundamental Niche

The full potential role, range of conditions, and resources a species could theoretically occupy in the absence of competition or limiting factors.

Realized Niche

The actual role and specific range of conditions or resources a species utilizes when constrained by competition and environmental limitations.

Generalist Species

An organism with a broad fundamental niche that can easily adapt to changing conditions and survive in diverse habitats (e.g., raccoons, rats, cockroaches).

Specialist Species

An organism with a narrow fundamental niche that relies on specific resources or environmental conditions, making it particularly vulnerable to extinction when habitats change.