Human Impact

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Biodiversity Noun

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[by-oh-duh-vur-si-tee]

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Biodiversity

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The variety of life in an area, referring to all the different kinds of organisms living there.

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Example: This image shows biodiversity by depicting different animals and plants living together in a natural environment.

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Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A group of similar organisms that are able to reproduce with each other to create fertile offspring.

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Example: Different species like penguins, tigers, and butterflies are shown with their scientific names, illustrating the concept of species.

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Ecosystem Noun

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[ee-koh-sis-tuhm]

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Ecosystem

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A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, functioning together as a single unit.

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Example: This image shows an aquatic ecosystem where fish, plants, and water interact as a community.

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Biome Noun

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[by-ohm]

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Biome

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A large, naturally occurring community of plants and animals occupying a major habitat, such as a forest or desert.

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Example: A globe surrounded by diverse plants and animals shows how biomes are large communities of life in different habitats.

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Sampling Noun

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[sam-pling]

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Sampling

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A method used to measure biodiversity by counting the number of species within a small, representative part of an area.

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Example: Using a quadrat to sample and count species in a small area to measure biodiversity.

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Biodiversity Index Noun

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[by-oh-duh-vur-si-tee in-deks]

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Biodiversity Index

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A quantitative measure, calculated from a sample, that reflects the species richness and abundance in a community.

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Example: A table showing species and their counts helps calculate biodiversity index.

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Niche Noun

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[nich]

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Example: A bird feeding its chicks shows its role in the ecosystem as a caregiver.

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Keystone Species Noun

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[kee-stohn spee-sheez]

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Keystone Species

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A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that its removal would drastically change the ecosystem.

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Example: Removing a keystone species is like pulling a crucial block from a Jenga tower, causing it to collapse.

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Ecosystem Engineer Noun

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[ee-koh-sis-tuhm en-juh-neer]

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Ecosystem Engineer

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A type of keystone species that significantly creates, modifies, maintains, or destroys a habitat, affecting other organisms.

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Example: Beavers build lodges and change waterways, creating new habitats for other species.

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Ecosystem Services Noun

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[ee-koh-sis-tuhm sur-vuh-siz]

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Ecosystem Services

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The many varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems.

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Example: The image shows different types of ecosystem services like regulating, supporting, cultural, and provisioning, helping students understand how nature benefits humans.