Ecological Diversity Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is species diversity?

Determined by richness and evenness.

What is genetic diversity?

A measurement of the differences in DNA composition among individuals within a given species.

What is ecosystem diversity?

Variety of habitats, living communities, and ecological processes in the living world.

What is functional diversity?

Biological and chemical processes or functions needed for the survival of species and communities. Signup and view all the answers

What is biological evolution?

Any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is natural selection?

A process where individuals with certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. Signup and view all the answers

What are fossils?

Remains of an ancient organism. Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations?

Random errors in gene replication leading to changes in nucleotide sequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is differential reproduction?

Individuals with adaptive genetic traits produce more living offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What is adaptation?

A characteristic that improves an individual's ability to survive and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

What are foundation species?

Species that play a major role in shaping a community by creating and enhancing a habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What is background extinction?

Species naturally becoming extinct. Signup and view all the answers

What is mass extinction?

An event during which many species become extinct in a short period. Signup and view all the answers

What is species richness?

How many different species are present. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecological niche?

A specific role of a species within an ecosystem, including its use of resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is species evenness?

How many individuals are present within a species. Signup and view all the answers

What are generalist species?

Species that can live in many different types of ecosystems and have a broad niche. Signup and view all the answers

What are specialist species?

Species that can only survive in a specific ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is speciation?

Two new species result from one species. Signup and view all the answers

What are indicator species?

Species that serve as early warnings that an ecosystem is being damaged. Signup and view all the answers

What are keystone species?

Species whose day-to-day activities provide opportunities and resources for other species. Signup and view all the answers

What are endemic species?

A species found in its originating location, generally restricted to that area. Signup and view all the answers

What is extinction?

The disappearance of all members of a species from Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is geographical isolation?

A form of reproductive isolation where populations are separated by geographic barriers. Signup and view all the answers

What is reproductive isolation?

Separation of species or populations so they cannot interbreed. Signup and view all the answers

What is biodiversity?

The amount of biological or living diversity per unit area. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ecological Diversity Concepts

Species Diversity: Evaluated by richness (number of species) and evenness (distribution of individuals among species).
Genetic Diversity: Reflects the variety of genetic information within a species, impacting adaptability and survival.

Ecosystem and Functional Diversity

Ecosystem Diversity: Encompasses different habitats, communities, and ecological processes, crucial for ecological balance.
Functional Diversity: Refers to the biological and chemical functions necessary for species and community survival, such as energy flow.

Evolution and Natural Processes

Biological Evolution: Involves inherited genetic changes over generations that result in physical variations within a species.
Natural Selection: A key evolutionary process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Fossils, Mutations, and Reproduction

Fossils: Remnants of ancient organisms, providing insights into past life forms and evolutionary changes.
Mutations: Random genetic changes in nucleotide sequences, serving as a fundamental source of genetic diversity.
Differential Reproduction: Occurs when individuals with beneficial genetic traits produce more offspring than those without.

Adaptation and Species Roles

Adaptation: Traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproductive success in its environment.
Foundation Species: Critical species that shape community structure by creating habitats beneficial for others.

Extinction and Species Concepts

Background Extinction: The natural process of species extinction occurring at a slow rate.
Mass Extinction: A rapid event causing widespread and significant loss of species within a short time frame.
Species Richness: Indicates the total number of different species in a given area.

Ecosystem Function and Species Types

Ecological Niche: The unique role and position of a species in its ecosystem, including resource use and interspecies relationships.
Species Evenness: Measures the distribution of individuals among the different species in an ecosystem.
Generalist Species: Organisms capable of thriving in diverse environments with wide ecological niches.
Specialist Species: Organisms adapted to specific habitats with narrow ecological requirements.

Speciation and Indicator Species

Speciation: The process through which populations evolve to form new species, often due to reproductive isolation.
Indicator Species: Serve as early warnings of ecosystem damage or degradation, reflecting environmental health.

Keystone and Endemic Species

Keystone Species: Play a pivotal role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, influencing the abundance of other species.
Endemic Species: Species unique to a specific geographical area, often with limited distribution.

Extinction, Isolation, and Biodiversity

Extinction: The complete loss of a species from the planet, impacting biodiversity.
Geographical Isolation: Occurs when physical barriers separate populations, potentially leading to speciation.
Reproductive Isolation: Prevents interbreeding between separate species, which can lead to divergence and new species formation.
Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in a specific area, incorporating species, habitat, and genetic diversity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of ecological diversity with these flashcards. Explore important definitions such as species, genetic, ecosystem, and functional diversity. Perfect for students in environmental studies or ecology.