Biodiversity and Evolution Flashcard

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

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

Front

What is evolution?

Back

Evolution is the process through which species change over time through mechanisms such as natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

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

Front

What is genetic diversity?

Back

Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, which allows for adaptation and survival in changing environments.

Front

What is the role of plate tectonics in evolution?

Back

Plate tectonics influences evolution by altering habitats, creating barriers, and changing climate conditions, which can lead to speciation and extinction.

Front

What is an indicator species?

Back

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.

Front

What is functional diversity?

Back

Functional diversity refers to the range of different functions or roles that species play within an ecosystem, contributing to its overall health and stability.

Front

What is ecological diversity?

Back

Ecological diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a given area, including the different habitats, communities, and ecological processes.

Front

What is the significance of species diversity?

Back

Species diversity is important for ecosystem resilience, providing stability and the ability to recover from disturbances.

Front

What is the misconception about traits in organisms?

Back

The misconception is that organisms develop traits because they need them; in reality, traits arise through genetic variation and natural selection.