Biodiversity

Biodiversity

The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

Species richness

The number of species per unit area (ha).

Species evenness

The proportion of different species in a given area.

Allopatric speciation

The formation of new species due to a physical barrier that isolates populations and causes them to evolve separately.

Protected areas

Areas designated for the conservation and preservation of biodiversity, such as national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

Museums

Institutions that collect, preserve, and display specimens of natural history, including biodiversity.

Botanic gardens

Gardens that cultivate and display a wide variety of plants for scientific, educational, and conservation purposes.

Latitude

The distance from the equator, which affects biodiversity as it is generally greater in the tropics and decreases near the poles.

Altitude

The height above sea level, which generally leads to a decrease in biodiversity, except in some desert environments where it may increase.

Pleistocene disruption

A period of time characterized by limited speciation, extinction, and repeated disruptions, such as glaciation, which affected biodiversity.

Stability time hypothesis

The idea that a break in the cycle of glaciation should increase species' diversity and evolution, particularly in arid regions and fragmented habitats.

Equilibrium theories of biodiversity

Theories that focus on the present geographical differences in species rather than historical factors, emphasizing the role of topographic diversity, niche specialization, abundance, and limited interspecific competition.

Variables that influence biodiversity

Factors such as habitats and topography, area, stability, disturbance, competition, predation, and productivity that can affect the diversity of species in an ecosystem.

Intermediate disturbance hypothesis

The idea that moderate levels of disturbance can promote optimum biodiversity by preventing competitive exclusion and allowing for niche exploration.

NPP (Net Primary Productivity)

The amount of energy captured by plants through photosynthesis, which influences the productivity and biomass of an ecosystem and can support more species and diversity.

Climate change impact

The global impact of climate change on biodiversity, including disruption, displacement, and extinction in mid-high latitudes, and the promotion of allopatric speciation in low latitudes.