4.2 Ecosystem Dynamics

Front

What is an endemic species?

Back

A species that is found in its originating location and is generally restricted to that geographic area.

Front

How does biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

Back

An ecosystem with a lot of biodiversity is probably more stable than one without much diversity.

Front

What characterizes a climax community?

Back

High biodiversity and stability.

Front

What is a habitat?

Back

The physical environment where a species lives.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, such as ostriches and gazelles watching for predators together.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Front

What is an indicator species?

Back

A species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition.

Front

What is an invasive species?

Back

A non-native species that spreads widely in a new habitat and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.