Introduction to Biodiversity - AP Environmental Science
- What is the role of a producer in an ecosystem?
- Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy. Photosynthesis captures sunlight to create organic compounds.
- Identify one example of a keystone species.
- The gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park. Regulates prey populations and maintains ecosystem balance.
- Which process can lead to speciation?
- Geographic isolation can lead to speciation. Physical barriers prevent gene flow between populations.
- What is ecosystem diversity?
- Ecosystem diversity is the variety of ecosystems in a region. Includes different habitats like forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
- Identify the three levels of biodiversity.
- Genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. These represent the hierarchical organization from genes to communities.
- What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
- The Sun. Solar radiation drives photosynthesis and most food webs.
- Which factor is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity?
- Gene flow between populations. Migration prevents inbreeding and maintains genetic variation.
- What is genetic diversity?
- Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Enables adaptation and survival through genetic variation within populations.
- Which factor is a major threat to biodiversity?
- Habitat loss is a major threat to biodiversity. Destruction of natural habitats eliminates species' living spaces.
- What is an ecological footprint?
- A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems. Quantifies resource consumption compared to Earth's regenerative capacity.
- What is the impact of overharvesting on biodiversity?
- It depletes species populations. Removes individuals faster than natural reproduction rates.
- Define habitat fragmentation.
- The process by which habitat loss results in the division of large habitats. Creates isolated patches that cannot support viable populations.
- What does 'trophic level' mean?
- A trophic level is a position in a food chain. Indicates feeding relationships and energy transfer pathways.
- Identify one benefit of high biodiversity.
- High biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience. More species provide greater stability against environmental disturbances.
- Which level of biodiversity involves different species?
- Species diversity. Focuses on variety and abundance of different species.
- What is an ecological niche?
- An ecological niche is the role a species plays in its ecosystem. Includes habitat requirements, feeding behavior, and interactions.
- Identify one consequence of losing biodiversity.
- Ecosystem services may be reduced. Loss of pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
- What is primary succession?
- Succession occurring on surfaces without soil. Begins on bare rock, sand, or lava without existing soil.
- Which factor increases genetic diversity in a population?
- Mutation and sexual reproduction. Create new genetic combinations and introduce novel traits.
- What is an invasive species?
- An invasive species is non-native and harms the ecosystem. Lacks natural predators and disrupts established ecological relationships.
- Which process can lead to genetic drift?
- Random changes in allele frequencies. Occurs more frequently in small, isolated populations.
- Define ecological succession.
- The gradual process of change in an ecosystem's species structure. Communities develop predictably from simple to complex over time.
- What is the role of a decomposer in an ecosystem?
- Decomposers break down dead organic matter. Recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem for reuse.
- Which term describes a group of interbreeding organisms?
- Species. Members can produce fertile offspring under natural conditions.
- Identify one human activity that reduces biodiversity.
- Pollution. Contaminates habitats and directly harms wildlife populations.
- Identify one example of a biodiversity hotspot.
- The Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot. Contains exceptional concentrations of endemic species under threat.
- What is the primary cause of habitat destruction?
- Human activities, such as deforestation. Development and agriculture convert natural habitats to human use.
- What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?
- Soil presence; absent in primary, present in secondary. Primary lacks soil foundation while secondary has existing soil.
- Define species diversity.
- Species diversity is the variety of species in a given area. Measured by both the number of species and their relative abundance.
- What does 'keystone species' mean?
- A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem. Their removal dramatically alters ecosystem structure and function.
- What is an endemic species?
- An endemic species is found only in a specific location. Geographic isolation often leads to unique evolutionary adaptations.
- Which term describes a species that no longer exists?
- Extinct. Complete disappearance means no living individuals remain anywhere.
- What is biotic potential?
- Biotic potential is the maximum reproductive capacity of a species. Theoretical maximum growth rate under ideal conditions.
- What is biodiversity?
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. Encompasses all living organisms and their genetic, species, and ecosystem variations.
- Which term describes the variety of ecosystems?
- Ecosystem diversity. Encompasses variety of habitats and ecological communities.
- Which factor is part of an ecosystem's structure?
- Abiotic factors like soil and water. Non-living components provide the physical foundation for life.
- What does 'endangered species' mean?
- A species at risk of extinction. Population has declined to dangerously low levels.
- What is secondary succession?
- Succession occurring in areas where soil exists. Follows disturbances like fires or storms in established ecosystems.
- What is the significance of a biodiversity hotspot?
- A hotspot has a high level of endemic species and is under threat. Requires both high endemism and significant habitat loss or degradation.
- Define carrying capacity.
- Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can sustain. Limited by resource availability and environmental resistance.