APES Unit 2 Biodiversity

Front

What is a niche in an ecosystem?

Back

A niche is the role or function of an organism within its ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

Front

Where is biodiversity typically greater?

Back

Biodiversity is typically greater near the equator.

Front

Why is high biodiversity important for an ecosystem?

Back

High biodiversity increases an ecosystem's resilience, allowing it to better withstand environmental changes and disturbances.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

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

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

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

Front

What defines an endangered species?

Back

An endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction due to a rapid decrease in population or habitat loss.

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, often maintaining the structure of the ecosystem.

Front

What is the difference between threatened and endangered species?

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Threatened species are likely to become endangered in the near future, while endangered species are at immediate risk of extinction.

Front

How do forest fires affect biodiversity?

Back

Forest fires can lead to secondary succession, which can increase biodiversity by creating new habitats and promoting the growth of diverse plant species.

Front

What role do volcanoes play in primary succession?

Back

Volcanoes create new landforms with igneous rock, providing a substrate for primary succession to occur as organisms colonize the area.