Island Biogeography

Front

What is species richness?

Back

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given area or ecosystem.

Front

What role does genetic diversity play in small, isolated populations?

Back

Genetic diversity is crucial for the survival of small, isolated populations as it enhances their ability to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases.

Front

How does biodiversity affect ecosystem recovery?

Back

An ecosystem with high biodiversity is likely to recover quickly from disturbances due to the variety of species that can fulfill different ecological roles.

Front

Define biodiversity.

Back

Biodiversity is the variety of different organisms found in an ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Front

What is biogeography?

Back

Biogeography is the study of how and why plants and animals live where they do, focusing on the distribution of species across different geographical areas.

Front

What is the relationship between island size and species richness?

Back

Larger islands tend to have higher species richness due to more available habitats and resources.

Front

What is the effect of distance from the mainland on species richness on islands?

Back

Islands that are closer to the mainland typically have higher species richness because they are more accessible for species to migrate.

Front

What is an ecological niche?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of keystone species in an ecosystem?

Back

Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance, helping to maintain the structure of the ecosystem.

Front

What is habitat fragmentation?

Back

Habitat fragmentation is the process where large habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, which can negatively affect species diversity.