APES Unit 2 Biodiversity

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

A common type of ecological succession that occurs in areas where an event such as a forest fire or abandonment of farmland has occurred, allowing for the re-establishment of ecosystems.

Front

What is island biogeography?

Back

A field of study that examines the factors that affect the species richness and diversity of island ecosystems, including size, distance from the mainland, and habitat diversity.

Front

What is a niche in an ecosystem?

Back

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

The process of ecological succession that occurs in lifeless areas, such as bare rock or ice, where no soil exists.

Front

How does island size affect biodiversity?

Back

Larger islands tend to have more biodiversity due to greater habitat variety and resources, while smaller islands may have fewer species due to limited resources.

Front

What is the significance of distance from the mainland in island biogeography?

Back

Islands closer to the mainland are more likely to receive immigrant species, leading to higher biodiversity compared to isolated islands.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Back

Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas without soil, while secondary succession occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed an existing ecosystem but soil remains.

Front

What factors influence species immigration to islands?

Back

Distance from the mainland, size of the island, and the presence of suitable habitats influence the rate of species immigration.

Front

What is the role of competition in island ecosystems?

Back

Competition can limit the number of species that can coexist on an island, affecting overall biodiversity.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

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.