Biodiversity & Ecological Relationships/Succession

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity.

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What is primary succession?

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Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacier retreat.

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What is secondary succession?

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Secondary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where soil and some organisms still exist after a disturbance, such as a forest fire.

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What is a pioneer species?

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A pioneer species is the first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, playing a crucial role in soil formation and ecosystem development.

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What is an ecological niche?

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An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

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What is parasitism?

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Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, often harming it.

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What is mutualism?

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Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

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What is commensalism?

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Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem and aiding in soil formation.

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What is the significance of keystone species?

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Keystone species are species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure of an ecological community.