APES Unit 2 - The Living World: Biodiversity

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What is a pioneer species?

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A pioneer species is the first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, such as after a fire. Example: native grasses.

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What are ecosystem services?

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Ecosystem services are the benefits that wildlife and ecosystems provide to people, including clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.

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What is species richness?

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Species richness refers to the number of different species present in an ecosystem. A higher species richness indicates a more diverse ecosystem.

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What is the difference between a generalist and a specialist species?

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Generalist species can thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can utilize a variety of resources, while specialist species are adapted to specific environmental conditions and resources.

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What is habitat fragmentation?

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Habitat fragmentation is the process by which large habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

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What are invasive species?

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Invasive species are non-native species that spread widely in a new habitat, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity.

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What factors contribute to the loss of biodiversity?

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Major factors include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources.

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.

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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, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.