Biodiversity

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What is a keystone species?

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A species that is critical to the functioning of an ecosystem, often having a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

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What is secondary succession?

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A common type of ecological succession that occurs in areas where an event such as a forest fire or abandonment of farmland has disturbed the ecosystem.

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What defines an exotic species?

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A species that is not native to a particular region and has been introduced from another area.

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What is an endemic species?

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A species that is native to and found only in a limited geographic area.

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What is a community in ecological terms?

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A group of several different populations of organisms living in the same geographic area.

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What role do keystone species play in ecosystems?

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They help maintain the structure of an ecological community, influencing the types and numbers of various species.

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How does secondary succession differ from primary succession?

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Secondary succession occurs in areas where soil and organisms still exist after a disturbance, while primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed.

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What are some examples of keystone species?

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Examples include sea otters, wolves, and certain species of plants that support a wide range of other organisms.

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Why are endemic species important for biodiversity?

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They contribute to the uniqueness of ecosystems and can be indicators of the health of their specific environments.

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What impacts can exotic species have on native ecosystems?

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They can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and lead to declines or extinctions of native species.