2.2 Community Ecology - Niche

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A type of species that plays a critical role in the health, maintenance, growth, or long-term sustainability of an ecosystem, despite the size of its population.

Front

What is the purpose of community ecology?

Back

The purpose of community ecology is to understand the relationships and interactions among species in a community.

Front

What is an indicator species?

Back

A type of species that is very sensitive to environmental changes in its ecosystem, providing an early-warning message that something is amiss.

Front

What is another word for habitat?

Back

Home.

Front

What happens to sea urchin populations when sea otters are removed from an ecosystem?

Back

Without sea otters, the sea urchin population increases, leading to overconsumption of kelp.

Front

Define ecological niche.

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between a keystone species and biodiversity?

Back

Keystone species help maintain biodiversity by controlling populations of other species and supporting ecosystem health.

Front

What is a trophic cascade?

Back

A series of changes in the population sizes of organisms at different trophic levels in an ecosystem, often triggered by the removal of a keystone species.

Front

How do indicator species help ecologists?

Back

They provide insights into the health of an ecosystem and can indicate environmental changes or stress.

Front

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

Back

A habitat is the physical environment where a species lives, while a niche is the role the species plays in that environment.