Applied Ecology ~ Biological Diversity & Community Stability

Habitat Heterogeneity

The degree to which a habitat varies across space and time; greater habitat heterogeneity generally supports higher species diversity.

Environmental Gradient

A gradual change in an abiotic factor such as temperature, moisture, or elevation across space or time.

Species Turnover

A change in species composition over space or time within or among communities.

Beta Diversity

A measure of species turnover or the change in species composition between communities.

Ecotone

A transition zone where two biological communities meet and blend together.

Zonation

The spatial arrangement of species within a community along environmental gradients.

Disturbance

An abiotic event that alters community structure and affects species diversity, such as fire, floods, or storms.

Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

Species diversity is highest at intermediate levels of disturbance.

Community Stability

The ability of a community to maintain its structure and function despite disturbance.

Community Resistance

The ability of a community to resist change when a disturbance occurs.

Community Resilience

The ability of a community to recover after a disturbance.

Succession

A predictable and non-random change in community composition over time.

Pioneer Species

The first species to colonize an area during succession; typically fast-growing and highly dispersive.

Climax Community

The relatively stable final stage of succession that is in equilibrium with environmental conditions.

Primary Succession

Succession that occurs on newly exposed surfaces where no soil or previous community exists.

Secondary Succession

Succession that occurs after a disturbance when soil and some organisms remain.