Ecosystem Diversity Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is biodiversity?

The number of organisms in a community

The genetic differences within a population

The amount of biological or living diversity per unit area (correct)

The variety of ecosystems in a region

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.

The range of genetic material present in a gene pool or population of a species. Signup and view all the answers

What is species richness?

The number of species in a biological community Signup and view all the answers

What does species evenness refer to?

The relative abundances of species in a community compared with one another Signup and view all the answers

What is evolution in biological terms?

The sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms Signup and view all the answers

Define natural selection.

Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully. Signup and view all the answers

What is directional selection?

Natural selection that favors individuals at one end of the phenotypic range Signup and view all the answers

Define stabilizing selection.

Natural selection in which intermediate phenotypes survive or reproduce more successfully than do extreme phenotypes. Signup and view all the answers

What is disruptive selection?

Form of natural selection in which a single curve splits into two; occurs when individuals at extremes have higher fitness. Signup and view all the answers

Define allopatric speciation.

The formation of a new species as a result of an ancestral population's becoming isolated by a geographic barrier. Signup and view all the answers

What is sympatric speciation?

A mode of speciation occurring as a result of a radical change in the genome of a subpopulation, reproductively isolating it from the parent population. Signup and view all the answers

What are ecosystem services?

Important environmental benefits provided by ecosystems, such as clean air and water. Signup and view all the answers

Define cultural services in the context of ecosystems.

Ecosystems provide cultural or aesthetic benefits to many people. Signup and view all the answers

What are provisions in an ecological context?

Necessary supplies, especially food. Signup and view all the answers

Define regulating services.

The benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, including climate and water regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What are supporting services?

The basic ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycles and soil formation. 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.

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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.