Maintaining Biodiversity

Filtration

the process that separates a solid from the liquid in a heterogeneous mixture

Biodiversity

The number of different species in an area

Ecosystem

A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment

species diversity

The number and relative abundance of species in a biological community.

Aeration

the process by which air is circulated through, mixed with or dissolved in a liquid or substance.

keystone species

A species that influences the survival of many other species in an ecosystem

decomposers/detritivores

An organism that breaks down wastes and dead organisms

pollutant

harmful material that can enter the biosphere through the land, air, or water

Bioindicator

a species that is especially sensitive to ecological change and thus can serve as an indicator of environmental conditions

extinct

no longer in existence

food chain

A series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

Diversity

(n.) difference, variety; a condition of having many different types of forms

ecological indicators

organisms that are sensitive to environmental changes

genetic diversity

a measure of the genetic variation among individuals in a population

ecosystem diversity

variety of habitats, living communities, and ecological processes in the living world

ecosystem services examples

clean drinking water, oxygen from plants, fertile soil, cycling of nutrients, recreation

Ecosystem Fragmentation

Breaking up of habitats into smaller, isolated patches.

Pioneer species in primary succession

lichens and mosses

What is secondary succession?

A type of succession that occurs in an area that was only partially destroyed by disturbances.

What condition is present during secondary succession?

The soil is intact.