community ecology myNotes Flashcards
species richness
variety of species, measured by the number of different species contained in a community, sample , or taxonomic group.
species evenness
degree to which comparitive number of individuals of each of the species present in a community are similar
species diversity
number of different species (species richness) combined with the realive abundance of individuals within each of those species (species eveness) in a given area. A component of biodiversity
species
group of similar organisms, and for sexually reproducing organisms, they are a set of indivduals that can mate and produce fertile offspring. Every organims is a member of certain species.
community
populations of all species living and interacting in an area at a particular time
biodiversity
variety of different species (species diversity), genetic variability amoung individuals within each species (genetic diversity), variety of ecosystems (ecological diversity), and function ssuch as energy flow and matter cycling needed for the survival of species and biological communities (functional diversity)
biodiversity hotspot
an area especially rich in plant species that are found nowhere else and are in great danger of extinction. Such areas suffere serious ecological disruption, mostly because of rapid human population growth and resulting pressure on natureal resources.
is plant productivity higher in species-rich ecosystems?
with greater variety of producer species, an ecosystem will produce more plant biomass which in turn will suppport a greater variety of consumer species
does species richness enhance sustainability of ecosystem
the greater species richeness and accompanying web of feeding and biotic interactions in an ecosystem , the greater is sustainablity or ability withstand env distrubances such as drought or insect infecstations.
