APES Unit 2 Biodiversity

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What is a niche?

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A niche is the role played by an organism in its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

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What are keystone species?

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Keystone species are species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

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What is species richness?

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Species richness is the number of different species represented in a given ecological community, typically measured in a specific area.

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Where is biodiversity generally greater?

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Biodiversity is generally greater near the equator due to favorable climate conditions and a variety of habitats.

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What is island biogeography?

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Island biogeography is a field of study that examines the factors that affect the species richness and diversity of isolated natural communities, such as islands.

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What is the relationship between island size and biodiversity?

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Larger islands tend to have more biodiversity because they can support larger populations and a greater variety of habitats.

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What is the significance of habitat fragmentation?

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Habitat fragmentation refers to the process where large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, which can lead to decreased biodiversity and increased extinction rates.

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What is an example of a keystone species?

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An example of a keystone species is the sea otter, which helps maintain kelp forest ecosystems by preying on sea urchins.

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How does competition affect biodiversity?

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Competition can limit biodiversity by allowing only the most competitive species to thrive, potentially leading to the exclusion of less competitive species.

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What is the role of invasive species in ecosystems?

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Invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to declines in biodiversity.