Unit 2 The Living World: Biodiversity AP Exam Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, ecological succession, and the effects of human activity on ecosystems.

Genetic Diversity

Genetic variation among individuals of a population.

Species Diversity

The number of species in a region.

Ecosystem Diversity

Measure of the diversity of ecosystems that exist in a given region.

Bottleneck Effect

A drastic reduction in the number of a population that can lead to the loss of genetic diversity.

Specialist Species

Organisms that have a narrow range of tolerance and very specific needs; e.g., Koala, Panda, Coral Reefs.

Generalist Species

Organisms that have a wide range of tolerance and can use a variety of resources; e.g., Raccoon, Humans, Coyotes.

Species Richness

The number of species in a given area.

Relative Abundance

The number of individuals per species.

Ecosystem Services

The many and varied benefits to humans gifted by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystems.

Provisioning Services

Goods produced by the ecosystem, such as lumber, crops, rubber, and medicine.

Regulating Services

Natural ecosystems help to regulate environmental conditions, such as forests acting as carbon sinks.

Cultural Services

Cultural and aesthetic benefits, such as those provided by national parks.

Supporting Services

Provide services that would be costly for humans to generate, such as pollination.

Ecological Tolerance

The conditions in which an organism can survive, influenced by abiotic factors.

Natural Disruptions

Events like fire, flood, diseases, and volcanic activity that can impact an ecosystem.

Resistance

The ability of an ecosystem to remain unchanged when subjected to disturbances.

Resilience

The ability and rate of an ecosystem to recover from a disturbance and return to its pre-disturbed state.

Primary Succession

Occurs when new land is formed or bare rock is exposed, allowing colonization.

Secondary Succession

Re-colonization of a previously occupied area following a disturbance.

Keystone Species

A species crucial for maintaining the ecological balance; e.g., Otter, Wolf.

Indicator Species

Species that can be used to infer the health of an ecosystem; e.g., Tiger Salamander, Golden Toad.

Habitat Fragmentation

When a connected ecosystem is divided, reducing the population of organisms.

Gaia Hypothesis

The idea that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings to maintain conditions for life.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human impact on Earth's ecosystems, typically measured in area or natural capital consumed.

Genetic Diversity

Genetic variation among individuals of a population.

Species Diversity

The number of species in a region.

Ecosystem Diversity

Measure of the diversity of ecosystems that exist in a given region.

Bottleneck Effect

A drastic reduction in the number of a population that can lead to the loss of genetic diversity.

Specialist Species

Organisms that have a narrow range of tolerance and very specific needs; e.g., Koala, Panda, Coral Reefs.

Generalist Species

Organisms that have a wide range of tolerance and can use a variety of resources; e.g., Raccoon, Humans, Coyotes.

Species Richness

The number of species in a given area.

Relative Abundance

The number of individuals per species.

Ecosystem Services

The many and varied benefits to humans gifted by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystems.

Provisioning Services

Goods produced by the ecosystem, such as lumber, crops, rubber, and medicine.

Regulating Services

Natural ecosystems help to regulate environmental conditions, such as forests acting as carbon sinks.

Cultural Services

Cultural and aesthetic benefits, such as those provided by national parks.

Supporting Services

Provide services that would be costly for humans to generate, such as pollination.

Ecological Tolerance

The conditions in which an organism can survive, influenced by abiotic factors.

Natural Disruptions

Events like fire, flood, diseases, and volcanic activity that can impact an ecosystem.

Resistance

The ability of an ecosystem to remain unchanged when subjected to disturbances.

Resilience

The ability and rate of an ecosystem to recover from a disturbance and return to its pre-disturbed state.

Primary Succession

Occurs when new land is formed or bare rock is exposed, allowing colonization.

Secondary Succession

Re-colonization of a previously occupied area following a disturbance.

Keystone Species

A species crucial for maintaining the ecological balance; e.g., Otter, Wolf.

Indicator Species

Species that can be used to infer the health of an ecosystem; e.g., Tiger Salamander, Golden Toad.

Habitat Fragmentation

When a connected ecosystem is divided, reducing the population of organisms.

Gaia Hypothesis

The idea that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings to maintain conditions for life.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human impact on Earth's ecosystems, typically measured in area or natural capital consumed.

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Pioneer Species

The first species to colonize a new or disturbed area during ecological succession.

Climax Community

A stable, mature ecological community that has reached a steady state through ecological succession.

Ecological Niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.

Invasive Species

A non-native species that is introduced to an ecosystem and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.