APES Ecosystem Diversity
39 flashcards covering APES Ecosystem Diversity for the AP-ENVIRONMENTAL-SCIENCE Unit 1 section.
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a given area, encompassing different habitats, communities, and ecological processes. This concept is defined by the College Board in the AP Environmental Science curriculum as a critical component of biodiversity, which plays a vital role in ecosystem resilience and functionality. Understanding ecosystem diversity is essential for recognizing the interdependence of species and the services they provide to humans.
In practice exams and competency assessments, questions about ecosystem diversity often focus on identifying different ecosystems, understanding their characteristics, and evaluating the impact of human activities on these systems. Common traps include confusing ecosystem diversity with species diversity or failing to recognize the importance of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem balance. A frequent oversight in this field is the assumption that all ecosystems are equally resilient; in reality, some ecosystems are more vulnerable to disturbances than others, which can affect conservation strategies.
Terms (39)
- 01
What is ecosystem diversity?
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a certain area, including different habitats, communities, and ecological processes. It is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and resilience (College Board AP CED).
- 02
What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem productivity and stability, allowing ecosystems to better withstand environmental stressors and changes (College Board AP CED).
- 03
How does habitat fragmentation affect biodiversity?
Habitat fragmentation can lead to decreased biodiversity by isolating populations, reducing genetic diversity, and increasing vulnerability to extinction (College Board AP CED).
- 04
What is the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem resilience?
Higher species diversity generally contributes to greater ecosystem resilience, enabling ecosystems to recover from disturbances more effectively (College Board AP CED).
- 05
What is the maximum number of species that can coexist in a given ecosystem?
There is no specific maximum number of species that can coexist, as it varies based on environmental factors and resource availability; however, the concept of carrying capacity applies (College Board AP CED).
- 06
Under what conditions does primary succession occur?
Primary succession occurs in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What is secondary succession?
Secondary succession is the process of recovery in an ecosystem following a disturbance that does not completely destroy the ecosystem, such as a forest fire or flood (College Board AP CED).
- 08
How often should biodiversity assessments be conducted?
Biodiversity assessments should be conducted regularly, but specific intervals depend on the ecosystem and management goals; typically every few years is recommended (College Board AP CED).
- 09
What role do keystone species play in ecosystems?
Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance, often maintaining the structure and integrity of the community (College Board AP CED).
- 10
What is the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity?
Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in native biodiversity and altering ecosystem functions (College Board AP CED).
- 11
When assessing ecosystem health, what indicators should be monitored?
Indicators such as species richness, population dynamics, and the presence of indicator species should be monitored to assess ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 12
What is the importance of genetic diversity within species?
Genetic diversity within species is crucial for adaptability and resilience to environmental changes, diseases, and other stressors (College Board AP CED).
- 13
What practices can enhance ecosystem diversity in agricultural systems?
Practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and maintaining buffer zones can enhance ecosystem diversity in agricultural systems (College Board AP CED).
- 14
What is the concept of ecosystem services?
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services (College Board AP CED).
- 15
How does climate change impact ecosystem diversity?
Climate change can alter habitats and species distributions, leading to shifts in ecosystem diversity and potential loss of species (College Board AP CED).
- 16
What is the role of apex predators in maintaining ecosystem balance?
Apex predators help regulate prey populations, which in turn maintains the balance of the ecosystem and supports biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What is the effect of pollution on ecosystem diversity?
Pollution can degrade habitats and reduce species diversity by causing harm to organisms and disrupting ecological processes (College Board AP CED).
- 18
How do ecosystem disturbances influence biodiversity?
Ecosystem disturbances can create opportunities for new species to establish and increase biodiversity, but excessive disturbances can lead to loss of species (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What is the significance of wetlands in terms of ecosystem diversity?
Wetlands are vital for biodiversity as they provide habitat for a wide variety of species and serve important ecological functions such as water filtration (College Board AP CED).
- 20
Which of the following best describes a biodiversity hotspot?
A biodiversity hotspot is a region that is both rich in endemic species and significantly threatened by human activities (College Board AP CED).
- 21
What is the role of ecological corridors in conservation?
Ecological corridors connect fragmented habitats, allowing for species movement and genetic exchange, which supports biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 22
How does overfishing affect marine ecosystem diversity?
Overfishing can lead to the decline of fish populations and disrupt marine food webs, ultimately reducing marine ecosystem diversity (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What is the impact of urbanization on ecosystem diversity?
Urbanization often leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, which can decrease ecosystem diversity and disrupt local species (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What strategies can be implemented to protect endangered species?
Strategies include habitat preservation, legal protections, captive breeding programs, and restoration efforts to enhance population viability (College Board AP CED).
- 25
What is the significance of pollinators in ecosystems?
Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, contributing to food production and ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 26
How does deforestation affect local and global biodiversity?
Deforestation reduces habitat availability, leading to loss of species and decreased biodiversity both locally and globally (College Board AP CED).
- 27
What is the role of fire in certain ecosystems?
Fire can be a natural part of some ecosystems, promoting growth and maintaining species diversity by clearing out dead matter (College Board AP CED).
- 28
What are the main threats to coral reef ecosystems?
Main threats include climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing, which all negatively impact coral health and biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What is the importance of soil diversity in ecosystems?
Soil diversity supports a variety of organisms and processes that contribute to nutrient cycling, plant growth, and overall ecosystem health (College Board AP CED).
- 30
How does land use change impact ecosystem services?
Land use change can degrade or eliminate ecosystem services, affecting water quality, carbon storage, and biodiversity (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What is the relationship between ecosystem diversity and human health?
Ecosystem diversity is linked to human health as it supports clean air, water, and food resources, and can reduce disease transmission (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What is the role of community ecology in understanding ecosystem diversity?
Community ecology studies interactions among species and their environment, providing insights into the dynamics of ecosystem diversity (College Board AP CED).
- 33
How does genetic engineering impact biodiversity?
Genetic engineering can potentially enhance crop resilience but may also pose risks to biodiversity if not managed carefully (College Board AP CED).
- 34
What is the significance of the Convention on Biological Diversity?
The Convention on Biological Diversity aims to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use of its components, and ensure fair sharing of benefits (College Board AP CED).
- 35
What are the benefits of maintaining high levels of biodiversity?
High levels of biodiversity contribute to ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services essential for human survival (College Board AP CED).
- 36
How can citizen science contribute to biodiversity monitoring?
Citizen science engages the public in data collection and monitoring, enhancing biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts (College Board AP CED).
- 37
What is the impact of climate zones on ecosystem diversity?
Different climate zones support distinct ecosystems, influencing species composition and biodiversity patterns (College Board AP CED).
- 38
What measures can be taken to restore degraded ecosystems?
Measures include reforestation, invasive species removal, and habitat reconstruction to promote recovery of ecosystem diversity (College Board AP CED).
- 39
What is the role of traditional ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation?
Traditional ecological knowledge incorporates local wisdom and practices that can enhance biodiversity conservation efforts (College Board AP CED).