Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics: APES Unit 2 Overview

Biodiversity

The variety of life that exists in the world or in a particular ecosystem.

Ecological Diversity

The variety of terrestrial biomes and aquatic ecosystems.

Species Diversity

The number of species present in an ecosystem.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genetic material within a population.

Functional Diversity

The biological and chemical processes needed for the survival of species, communities, and ecosystems.

Species Richness

The actual number of different species that exist in an ecosystem.

Species Evenness

The number of individuals that make up a particular species.

Tropical Regions

Ecosystems closer to the tropics have a larger number of species, but fewer individuals in the population.

Polar Regions

Ecosystems closer to the poles have fewer numbers of species, but more individuals in the population.

Habitat Loss

One of the biggest threats to biodiversity, impacting specialist species due to their narrow niche.

Generalists

Organisms with a broad niche that will eat a variety of different foods.

Specialists

Organisms with a narrow niche that eat only one or a very limited variety of food items.

Keystone Species

Species that have a larger effect on the types and abundances of other species in a community.

Top Predator Keystone Species

Keystone species that control and regulate population sizes of other species.

High Species Richness

A characteristic of ecosystems closer to the tropics.

Low Species Richness

A characteristic of ecosystems closer to the poles.

Low Species Evenness

A characteristic of ecosystems closer to the tropics.

High Species Evenness

A characteristic of ecosystems closer to the poles.

Specialist Species

Species that are greatly impacted by habitat loss due to their narrow niche.

Generalist Species

Species that will eventually be impacted by habitat loss as all organisms are interconnected.

Territorial Requirements

Species with large territorial requirements are greatly impacted by habitat loss.

Indicator Species

Indicator species are species that serve as early warnings of damage to a community or ecosystem.

Aquatic Organisms and Pollinators

Aquatic organisms and pollinators are good indicator species.

Trout

Trout are sensitive to water quality and need clean water with high DO levels to survive.

Lichen

Lichen are sensitive to changes in air quality and will not grow in areas with high amounts of air pollution.

Ecosystem Clues

The abundance, absence, scarcity, or chemical composition of indicator species gives us clues as to what is happening in an ecosystem.

Adaptations

Any trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce is known as an adaptation.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is the force that drives the presence or absence of traits that might become an adaptation for organisms.

Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is the key in order for new traits to potentially arise and become adaptations.

Ecological Tolerance

Each population in an ecosystem has a range of tolerance to variations in the physical and chemical aspects of its environment.

Highly Tolerant Species

Highly tolerant species can live in a variety of habitats with widely different conditions.

Tolerance Range

Range of tolerance can be applied to a single organism, or to the population as a whole.

Individual Variation in Tolerance

Individuals vary in their tolerance due to their health, age, and genetic variation from others.

Juvenile Tolerance

Most individuals are least tolerant during juvenile or reproductive stages of their life cycle.

Island Biogeography

Island biogeography is the study of the ecological relationships and distribution of organisms that exist on islands.

Community Structure of Islands

Island biogeography includes studying the community structure of islands.

Species Colonization

Over time, we have noticed that islands are starting to be colonized by species that arise from elsewhere on Earth.

Natural Influx

Some of this influx is natural and contributes to the evolution of new species on islands.

Unnatural Influx

Some of this influx is unnatural and results in invasive species taking over the island.

Cane Toads

Cane toads in Australia are an example of an invasive species.

Mongoose

Mongoose in Hawaii are an example of an invasive species.

Evolution on Islands

Because islands are isolated from mainland areas, evolution can occur in species more quickly and more noticeably.

Long-term Survival Risk

The long-term survival of these specialist species may be at risk when new species evolve or are introduced onto islands.

Ecological Succession

The gradual change in species composition of a given area in an ecosystem is known as ecological succession.

Pioneer Species

The first organisms to appear and occupy the area are known as pioneer species.

Primary Succession

Primary succession is the gradual establishment of a community in an area where no soil has existed before.

Secondary Succession

Secondary succession is the re-establishment of a community in an area that was destroyed, but the soil remained.

Ecosystem Disruptions

Natural causes that can disrupt and greatly impact ecosystems, leading to changes in diversity and structure.

Ecosystem Services

The contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, which can be direct or indirect.

Provisioning Services

The products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, water, medicine, and genetic resources.

Regulating Services

The benefits obtained by the regulation of ecosystems, including water purification, pest management, and pollination.

Cultural Services

The non-material benefits received from ecosystems, such as recreation, spiritual enrichment, and aesthetic appreciation.

Supporting Services

The processes that allow ecosystems to continue to thrive, such as nutrient cycling and soil formation.

Anthropogenic Activities

Human-caused actions that threaten ecosystem services, including fossil-fuel combustion and habitat destruction.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in Earth's climate that can result in alterations to glacial ice and sea levels.

Wildlife Migration

The movement of wildlife for short or long periods in response to environmental changes.

Evolutionary Change

Changes in wildlife that may occur as a response to alterations in the environment.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of different species and ecological processes within an ecosystem.

Soil Formation

The process by which soil is created, often beginning with pioneer species like lichen and moss.

Physical Weathering

Processes that contribute to soil formation by breaking down rocks without changing their chemical composition.

Natural Ecosystem Disruptions

Examples include climate changes that impact habitats and species.

Consequences of Change

The effects of ecosystem disruptions, which may be short-term or long-term.

Habitat Change

Alterations in the environment that can affect the living conditions for wildlife.

Nutrient Cycling

The process by which nutrients are recycled in ecosystems, essential for supporting life.

Ecosystem Well-being

The overall health and functionality of an ecosystem, which is vital for human survival.