chapter 6 Flashcards
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem.
Succession
A series of gradual changes that result in the replacement of one community of plants by another.
Primary succession
Succession that develops a community of plants and animals in an area where no living things existed before, for example a receding glacier or new volcanic land.
Secondary succession
Succession that develops a community in an area after it has been disturbed.
Endangered species
Species that are at risk of becoming extinct due to either reduction in numbers or an environmental threat.
Extinction
The complete disappearance of a species from anywhere on Earth
Invasive species
A species that has been introduced (accidentally or purposefully) into an area where it did not exist before; often reproduces so aggressively that it replaces some of the original species.
Native species
Species that occur naturally in an area.
Steward
A person who carefully manages a resource by taking responsibility for their actions and educating others.