Questions and Answers
What is biodiversity?
What does ecosystem diversity refer to?
The number and variety of ecosystems within a larger area
What is species diversity?
The number and relative abundance of species in a biological community
Define genetic diversity.
Signup and view all the answers
What is species richness?
Signup and view all the answers
What does species evenness refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What is evolution in biological terms?
Signup and view all the answers
Define natural selection.
Signup and view all the answers
What is directional selection?
Signup and view all the answers
Define stabilizing selection.
Signup and view all the answers
What is disruptive selection?
Signup and view all the answers
Define allopatric speciation.
Signup and view all the answers
What is sympatric speciation?
Signup and view all the answers
What are ecosystem services?
Signup and view all the answers
Define cultural services in the context of ecosystems.
Signup and view all the answers
What are provisions in an ecological context?
Signup and view all the answers
Define regulating services.
Signup and view all the answers
What are supporting services?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Diversity
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in a given area, including species, habitats, and genetics.
- Ecosystem diversity is the range and variety of ecosystems present within a larger region, such as forests, reefs, or oceans.
Species Diversity
- Species diversity encompasses the number and abundance of various species within a community.
- It is characterized by two components: species richness (total number of species) and species evenness (distribution of individuals among species).
Genetic Diversity
- Genetic diversity signifies the variety of genetic information within a species' gene pool.
- It is crucial for species' adaptability and resilience against environmental changes.
Evolution and Natural Selection
- Evolution is the process through which species develop and change over time due to various factors, including adaptation and genetic variance.
- Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, favoring individuals best adapted to their environment and enhancing their reproductive success.
Types of Natural Selection
- Directional selection targets individuals at one extreme of the phenotypic spectrum, promoting traits beneficial for survival.
- Stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes, ensuring their greater survival over extremes.
- Disruptive selection allows for the survival of individuals at both extremes of a phenotypic distribution while reducing the fitness of average individuals.
Speciation
- Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is geographically isolated, leading to the formation of a new species.
- Sympatric speciation arises from genetic changes within a subpopulation that isolates it reproductively from the main population.
Ecosystem Services
- Ecosystem services are the essential benefits that ecosystems provide, such as:
- Provisioning services: Supply of food and necessary resources.
- Regulating services: Management of ecosystem processes like climate and water regulation.
- Supporting services: Fundamental processes like nutrient cycling and soil formation that underpin other ecosystem functions.
- Cultural services: Non-material benefits like aesthetic and cultural experiences offered by ecosystems.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on ecosystem diversity with these flashcards. Explore key concepts such as biodiversity, species diversity, and the variety of ecosystems. Perfect for anyone interested in environmental science and ecology.