GE201: Introduction to Biogeography and Ethnobiology - Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core terms introduced in the GE201 lecture notes, including core concepts in biogeography, biodiversity, taxonomy, and related ecosystem terminology.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution, patterns, and dynamics of biodiversity across Earth’s environments (biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere) at multiple scales.

Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth and the interdependence among living things; includes ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity; with estimates of total species ranging into millions.

Ecosystem variety

The diversity of ecosystems (e.g., freshwater lakes/rivers, coral reefs, estuaries, coastal/terrestrial habitats) within a region.

Species diversity

Diversity of different species within a region; easier to study because species are identifiable and have distinct ecological roles.

Genetic diversity

Diversity of genes within and between species, reflecting DNA variation.

Ecosystem

A complex, dynamic network of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Habitat

The general environment in which an organism lives (e.g., forest, marsh).

Microhabitat

A small-scale environment within a habitat where an organism spends most of its time.

Niche

The role and function of a species within a community, including how it uses resources and interacts with others.

Cosmopolitan

A species with a worldwide distribution, found in many regions.

Endemic

A species native to and restricted to a particular geographic area.

Contiguous

In direct contact or neighboring areas; sharing a border.

Discontiguous

Not sharing a border; separated.

Fragmented

Populations or habitats that are separated into pieces with gaps between them.

Abiotic factors

Non-living environmental components (climate, soil, water, minerals) that influence organisms.

Biotic factors

Living components (plants, animals, microorganisms) that influence ecosystems.

Dispersal

The movement of organisms away from their origin or from centers of high population to new areas.

Evolution

The process by which heritable traits change over generations, leading to species diversity.

Extinction

The permanent loss of a species or lineage.

Ecosystem services

Benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems (food, water, climate regulation, recreation, aesthetics).

Taxonomy

The science of describing, identifying, naming, and classifying organisms into hierarchical groups (taxa).

Flora

The plants of a particular region or ecosystem.

Fauna

The animals of a particular region or ecosystem.

Biota

All living things in a given environment.

Taxon

Any unit in the taxonomic classification system (e.g., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species).

Taxonomist

A scientist who studies and classifies organisms, often focusing on particular taxa.

Binomial nomenclature

The two-word naming system for species: genus name followed by species name (e.g., Homo sapiens).

Genus

A rank in the taxonomic hierarchy above species; a group of closely related species.

Species

The basic unit of classification; a group of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations.

Homo sapiens

The binomial name for humans; genus Homo, species sapiens.

Biosphere

The global sum of all living organisms and their interactions with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and oceans.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

Hydrosphere

All the water bodies on Earth (oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater).

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Dendrochronology

The study of tree-ring patterns to date events and infer past climate and growth.