The variety of processes, including matter cycling and energy flow within ecosystems, that results from species interacting with one another in food webs
Functional Diversity
Biodiversity includes these components:
Functional Diversity
Ecological Diversity
Species Diversity
Genetic Diversity
Variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems found in an area or on the earth
Ecological Diversity
The number and abundances of species present in different communities
Species Diversity
The diversity that enables life on earth to adapt and survive environmental changes
Genetic Diversity
Occurs when some individuals of a population have genetically based traits that enhance their ability to survive and produce offspring with the same traits
Natural Selection
A change in the genetic characteristics of a population from one generation to another
Evolution
Random changes in the structure or number of DNA molecules in a cell that can be inherited by offspring
Mutations
Genes mutate, individuals are selected, and populations evolve that are better adapted to survive and reproduce under existing environmental conditions
Evolution by Natural Selection
Human success
Strong opposable thumbs
Upright walks
Complex brain
Large effect on types and abundance of other species
Keystone species
Shape and enhance habitats that benefit other species