Unit 4 - Biodiversity Flashcards
Define Succession
The progressive replacement of one dominant type of species or community by another in an ecosystem, until a stable climax community is established.
Define intraspecific variation
The differences between organisms of the same species
Define keystone species
Species which are essential for maintaining biodiversity-they have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance
Define kingdom
The second biggest and broadest taxonomic group
Define divergent evolution
Species diverge over time into two different species, resulting in a new species becoming less like the original one
Define natural selection
The process by which organisms best suited to their environment survive and reproduce, passing on their characteristics to their offspring via their genes
What is a line transect?
A line is marked along the ground between two points and samples are taken at specified points
What is a belt transect?
Two parallel lines are marked and samples are taken of the area between the two lines
Outline the process of mark-release-recapture
-organisms are captured and marked with a non-toxic marking
-time is allowed for organisms to redistribute
-the organisms are recaptured and the number of marked animals is compared to the number of unmarked animals
Give 3 ways human have reduced biodiversity
-deforestation
-agriculture
-climate change
Give 4 ways climate change will reduce biodiversity
-rising sea levels flood low lying land
-insect life cycles and population would change
-saltwater would flow further up rivers
-in some areas rainfall would lower
Define invasive species
An organism that is not native to an area and has negative effects on the economy, environment, or health
