Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to ecosystems and biodiversity.

Predation

An interaction where one organism consumes another; predator eats prey.

Herbivory

An interaction where an herbivore consumes plant material.

Mechanical defense

Physical structures that protect against predation and herbivory, such as thorns or shells.

Chemical defense

Toxins produced by plants to deter herbivores.

Cryptic coloration

Coloration that helps an organism blend into its environment.

Concealing coloration

Structural adaptations for camouflage by changing color.

Aposematic coloration

Bright coloration warning predators that an organism is toxic.

Müllerian mimicry

When two harmful species evolve to resemble one another.

Batesian mimicry

When a harmless species mimics the appearance of a harmful species.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

States that two species competing for identical resources cannot coexist.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship in which both partners benefit.

Parasitism

A relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Foundation species

Species that provide the major structural habitat for communities.

Keystone species

Species with a disproportionately large impact on community structure.

Invasive species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.

Pioneer species

The first species to colonize barren environments after disturbances.

Primary succession

The colonization of barren substrates by pioneer species.

Secondary succession

Recovery of a disturbed community.

Numerosity

Refers to large numbers of components across multiple hierarchical levels in a system.

Non-linearity

Interaction dynamics in complex systems producing non-additive responses.

Connectivity

The network topology governing interactions in ecosystems.

Self-organization

Emergent patterns resulting from local interactions without centralized control.

Emergence

New properties that arise at the system level that aren’t present in individual components.

Co-evolution

Reciprocal evolutionary changes among interdependent species.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genetic material within a species.

Species Diversity

The number and abundance of different species in a community.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems present in a region.

Compositional Biodiversity

Variety of biological elements in an area.

Structural Biodiversity

Spatial and temporal arrangement of biodiversity components.

Functional Biodiversity

Variety of ecological processes and functions performed by organisms.

Anthropocentric Benefits

Biodiversity valued for its utility to humans.

Ecocentric Benefits

Intrinsic value of species, protected irrespective of human use.

Keystone species

Species whose ecological roles are disproportionately large.

Umbrella Species

Species whose conservation aids the protection of other species.

Indicator Species

Species sensitive to environmental changes, signaling ecosystem health.

Flagship Species

Species that garner public support for conservation efforts.

Population Growth

Increase in human populations resulting in heightened resource use.

Habitat Loss

Destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats.

Climate Change

Altered weather patterns affecting species distributions.

Threats to Food Security

Loss of biodiversity impacting agricultural variety and yields.

Unavailability of Clean Water

Reduced water quality and quantity from environmental destruction.

Importance of Protected Areas

Designated areas managed for conservation and ecosystem services.

Natural Resource Management

Sustainable use and management of natural resources.

Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)

Areas important for global biodiversity conservation.

Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM)

Local communities managing natural resources sustainably.

Integrated Natural Resource Approaches

Combining ecological, social, and economic strategies in management.

Provisioning Services

Goods produced or provided by ecosystems.

Regulating Services

Benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes.

Supporting Services

Processes necessary for the production of ecosystem services.

Cultural Services

Non-material benefits gained from ecosystems.