Ecology & Ecosystems Flashcard (Part 2)

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What is an Indicator Species?

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An Indicator Species is a species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition, often used to assess the health of an ecosystem.

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What is a Generalist Species?

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A Generalist Species is an organism that can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can make use of a variety of resources.

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What is a Specialist Species?

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A Specialist Species is an organism that has a narrow ecological niche and is adapted to specific environmental conditions or resources.

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What is a Keystone Species?

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A Keystone Species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, often crucial for maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

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What is Interspecific Competition?

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Interspecific Competition is competition between individuals of different species for the same resources in an ecosystem.

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What is Natural Selection?

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Natural Selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is the role of Sea Otters in their ecosystem?

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Sea Otters are a Keystone Species that help maintain the balance of their ecosystem by controlling the population of Sea Urchins, which in turn protects kelp forests.

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What is the difference between Generalist and Specialist Species?

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Generalist Species can adapt to a variety of environments and diets, while Specialist Species are adapted to specific environments and diets.

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What is the significance of frogs as Indicator Species?

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Frogs are significant as Indicator Species because their health reflects the level of pollutants in the environment, indicating the overall health of the ecosystem.

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What is the impact of pollution on Indicator Species like frogs?

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Pollution can adversely affect Indicator Species like frogs, leading to population declines and serving as a warning sign for ecosystem health.