The Lesson of the Kaibab Flashcard

Front

What happened to the number of deer in the Kaibab Plateau when predators were removed?

Back

The number of deer increased.

Front

What was the unintended consequence of removing predators from the ecosystem?

Back

Overpopulation of deer and degradation of habitat.

Front

What is the lesson of the Kaibab?

Back

A balanced ecosystem is important.

Front

What was the primary cause of the deer population explosion in the Kaibab Plateau?

Back

Protection of the deer and removal of predators.

Front

What is carrying capacity?

Back

The maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain.

Front

Define ecosystem.

Back

A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

Front

What role do predators play in an ecosystem?

Back

Predators help control the population of prey species, maintaining balance.

Front

What is overpopulation?

Back

A situation where a species' population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment.

Front

What is habitat degradation?

Back

The process by which a habitat becomes unable to support the species present.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.