2.12 Island Ecology CFU

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What is a supporting ecosystem service?

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A supporting ecosystem service is a service that maintains the conditions for life on Earth, such as nutrient cycling and habitat provision. An example is forests providing habitat for wildlife.

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What is an example of a regulating ecosystem service?

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A regulating ecosystem service is one that helps regulate environmental conditions. An example is wetlands filtering pollutants from water.

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What is a cultural ecosystem service?

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A cultural ecosystem service is a non-material benefit that contributes to the cultural, aesthetic, and recreational value of an ecosystem. An example is a nature walk through a wetland.

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What is the theory of island biogeography?

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The theory of island biogeography explains how the size and distance of an island from the mainland affect species diversity and extinction rates.

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How do islands contribute to the evolution of species?

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Islands promote speciation through isolation and unique environmental pressures, leading species to develop new traits to adapt.

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What is an invasive species?

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An invasive species is a non-native species that spreads widely in a new habitat, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.

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What is the impact of small islands on specialist species?

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Small islands, especially those close to the mainland, are more vulnerable to declines in specialist species due to the introduction of invasive species.

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What are ecosystem services?

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Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services.

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What is an example of a provisioning ecosystem service?

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An example of a provisioning ecosystem service is the production of food, such as mushrooms used as a food source.

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What role do wetlands play in ecosystem services?

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Wetlands provide multiple ecosystem services, including water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for wildlife.