All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which factor increases genetic diversity in a population?
Answer: Mutation and sexual reproduction. Create new genetic combinations and introduce novel traits.
Flashcard 2: Which level of biodiversity involves different species?
Answer: Species diversity. Focuses on variety and abundance of different species.
Flashcard 3: What is an endemic species?
Answer: An endemic species is found only in a specific location. Geographic isolation often leads to unique evolutionary adaptations.
Flashcard 4: What is the significance of a biodiversity hotspot?
Answer: A hotspot has a high level of endemic species and is under threat. Requires both high endemism and significant habitat loss or degradation.
Flashcard 5: Identify one example of a biodiversity hotspot.
Answer: The Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot. Contains exceptional concentrations of endemic species under threat.
Flashcard 6: Define ecological succession.
Answer: The gradual process of change in an ecosystem's species structure. Communities develop predictably from simple to complex over time.
Flashcard 7: Identify one human activity that reduces biodiversity.
Answer: Pollution. Contaminates habitats and directly harms wildlife populations.
Flashcard 8: What does 'endangered species' mean?
Answer: A species at risk of extinction. Population has declined to dangerously low levels.
Flashcard 9: What is biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. Encompasses all living organisms and their genetic, species, and ecosystem variations.
Flashcard 10: What is ecosystem diversity?
Answer: Ecosystem diversity is the variety of ecosystems in a region. Includes different habitats like forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
Flashcard 11: Which term describes a species that no longer exists?
Answer: Extinct. Complete disappearance means no living individuals remain anywhere.
Flashcard 12: What is the primary cause of habitat destruction?
Answer: Human activities, such as deforestation. Development and agriculture convert natural habitats to human use.
Flashcard 13: Identify one example of a keystone species.
Answer: The gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park. Regulates prey populations and maintains ecosystem balance.
Flashcard 14: Define species diversity.
Answer: Species diversity is the variety of species in a given area. Measured by both the number of species and their relative abundance.
Flashcard 15: What is an ecological niche?
Answer: An ecological niche is the role a species plays in its ecosystem. Includes habitat requirements, feeding behavior, and interactions.
Flashcard 16: What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
Answer: The Sun. Solar radiation drives photosynthesis and most food webs.
Flashcard 17: What does 'keystone species' mean?
Answer: A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem. Their removal dramatically alters ecosystem structure and function.
Flashcard 18: Which factor is part of an ecosystem's structure?
Answer: Abiotic factors like soil and water. Non-living components provide the physical foundation for life.
Flashcard 19: What is biotic potential?
Answer: Biotic potential is the maximum reproductive capacity of a species. Theoretical maximum growth rate under ideal conditions.
Flashcard 20: What is the role of a decomposer in an ecosystem?
Answer: Decomposers break down dead organic matter. Recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem for reuse.
Flashcard 21: What is primary succession?
Answer: Succession occurring on surfaces without soil. Begins on bare rock, sand, or lava without existing soil.
Flashcard 22: Which factor is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity?
Answer: Gene flow between populations. Migration prevents inbreeding and maintains genetic variation.
Flashcard 23: What is the impact of overharvesting on biodiversity?
Answer: It depletes species populations. Removes individuals faster than natural reproduction rates.
Flashcard 24: Define habitat fragmentation.
Answer: The process by which habitat loss results in the division of large habitats. Creates isolated patches that cannot support viable populations.
Flashcard 25: What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?
Answer: Soil presence; absent in primary, present in secondary. Primary lacks soil foundation while secondary has existing soil.
Flashcard 26: Which term describes the variety of ecosystems?
Answer: Ecosystem diversity. Encompasses variety of habitats and ecological communities.
Flashcard 27: Identify one consequence of losing biodiversity.
Answer: Ecosystem services may be reduced. Loss of pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
Flashcard 28: What does 'trophic level' mean?
Answer: A trophic level is a position in a food chain. Indicates feeding relationships and energy transfer pathways.
Flashcard 29: What is the role of a producer in an ecosystem?
Answer: Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy. Photosynthesis captures sunlight to create organic compounds.
Flashcard 30: Which process can lead to genetic drift?
Answer: Random changes in allele frequencies. Occurs more frequently in small, isolated populations.