APES Unit 2

 the number of diff. habitats available in a given area 

the number of diff. species in an ecosystem and the balance or evenness of the pop. sizes of all species in the ecosystem

how different the genes are of individuals within a population (group of the same species)

 the total number of different species found in an ecosystem

 a measure of how all of the individual organisms in an ecosystem are balanced between the different species

Goods taken directly from ecosystems or made from nat. resources (wood, paper, food)

Nat. ecosystems regulate climate/air quality, reducing storm damage & healthcare costs

Nat. ecosystems support processes we do ourselves, making them cheaper & easier(bees pollinate crops)

Money generate by recreation (parks, camping, tours) or scientific knowledge

The closer an island is to the mainland support more species it is easier for colonizing organisms to get to the island from the mainland.

Larger islands support more species and the more diversity there is.

a rapid increase in the number of species with a common ancestor, characterized by great ecological and morphological diversity.

movement of individuals into a population.

the limits to the abiotic conditions that a species can tolerate.

any external or internal condition that challenges the homeostasis of a cell or an organism. It can be divided into three different aspects: environmental stress, intrinsic developmental stress, and aging.

no regular frequency (volcanoes, earthquakes, and asteroids)

occurs with regular frequency (ex: dry-wet seasons)

occasional events with irregular frequency (ex: hurricanes, droughts, fires)

the extensive interval of time occupied by the geologic history of Earth.

Wildlife may migrate to a new habitat as the result of natural disruptions

a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics.

the ability to survive to reproductive age, find a mate, and produce offspring.

a new trait that increases an organism’s fitness (ability to survive and reproduce)

 organisms that are better adapted to their env. survive and reproduce more offspring

the range of different inherited traits within a species

starts from bare rock in an area with no previous soil formation

Moss & lichen spores carried by the wind grow directly onpione

starts from already established soil, in an area where a disturbance (fire/tornado/human land clearing) cleared out the majority of plant life

Grasses, sedges, wildflowers, and berry bushes have seeds dispersed by wind or animal droppings 

species that are the first to colonize newly created environments or recently disturbed environments during the processes of primary succession and secondary succession, respectively

found in partially open areas. Openings in the forest canopy promote the growth of plants that are favored as food by many mammals and birds.

the last stage in succession, a stage where an ecosystem reaches a stable state. It is a mature ecosystem.

an organism that helps hold the system together.