APES Topics 2.6/2.7

Flashcards about Adaptations and Ecological Succession

Genetic Diversity

Variability in genes of individuals within a population.

Adaptation

A new trait that increases an organism's fitness (ability to survive and reproduce).

Natural Selection

Organisms that are better adapted to their environment will be able to survive and reproduce more offspring.

Selective Pressure/Force

The environmental condition that kills individuals without the adaptation.

Short-Term Adaptations

Developments in response to temporary changes in the environment; DNA does not change.

Long-Term Adaptations

May induce DNA changing over long time periods in response to natural selection, including conditioning processes.

Ecological Succession

A series of predictable stages of growth that an ecosystem goes through.

Primary Succession

Starts from bare rock in an area with no previous soil formation; moss and lichen break down rock to soil.

Secondary Succession

Starts from already established soil in an area where a disturbance cleared out plant life (seeds dispersed by wind/animals).

Pioneer/Early Successional Species

Appears first when ground is bare rock or soil after a disturbance; adapts to conditions, possibly creating new soil.

Mid Successional Species

Appears after pioneer species, helped develop deeper soil with more nutrients.

Late Successional Species

Appears last, after soil is deepened and enriched with nutrients by earlier successional species.

Keystone Species

Species with a crucial role in an ecosystem.

Indicator Species

Organisms that reflect an ecosystem's environment and health.

Effects of Succession in a Disturbed Ecosystem

Changes in biomass, species richness, and net productivity.