What does SDI measure? | It measures the diversity of an organism in an ecosystem. Accounts both the number of species present, and the abundance of each species. |
Define biodiversity | The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. |
What are the primary measures of biodiversity? | Percentage cover, percentage frequency, species richness, species abundance and evenness, SDI (Simpsons diversity index). |
Define abiotic factors | A non-living component of an ecosystem that impacts the environment and organisms. |
Define biotic factors | A living organism within an ecosystem that impacts the environment. |
What is competition? | An interaction between organisms or species in which both require a resource that is in limited supply. |
What is predation? | A biological interaction where one organism kills and eats another organism. |
What is symbiosis? | A mutually beneficial relationship between different organisms, where both benefit. |
Define an ecosystem | A geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a bubble of life |
Explain how environmental factors limit the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem. | Factors such as: temperature, water availability, nutrient availability, and habitat suitability determine the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem by setting limits on their survival, reproduction, and ecological requirements. |
Define parasitism | A symbiotic relationship where one organism, the parasite, benefits by living off or within another organism, the host, often causing harm or weakening the host in the process. |
Define mutualism | A symbiotic relationship between two species where both individuals benefit from each other's presence, often through the exchange of resources or services. |
Define commensalism | A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits without harming or significantly benefiting the other organism involved. |
Define amensalism | A symbiotic relationship in which one organism is negatively affected or inhibited by another organism, without any significant impact on the other organism. |