Ecosystem Services and Ecological Succession

This section covers ecosystem services and ecological succession, key topics in ecosystem services and ecological succession apes.

Ecosystem services are categorized into four types:

1. Provisioning (e.g., food, water, wood)
2. Supporting (e.g., nutrient cycling, soil formation)
3. Cultural (e.g., educational, recreational)
4. Regulating (e.g., climate regulation, water purification)

Highlight: Ecosystem services are vital for human well-being and economic stability.

The text then discusses natural disruptions to ecosystems, including fires, floods, and climate change.

Ecological succession is a central concept:

Definition: Ecological succession is the gradual change in species diversity, usually occurring after a disturbance.

Two types of succession are described:

1. Primary succession: Occurs in areas without existing soil, such as newly formed volcanic islands.
2. Secondary succession: Takes place in areas with existing soil, such as abandoned farmland.

Example: In primary succession, mosses and lichens are often pioneer species that break down rock to form soil.

The page also introduces key ecological roles:

Vocabulary:

• Keystone species play a significant role in community structure
• Indicator species signal certain qualities of an ecosystem
• Pioneer species are the first to colonize a disturbed area

Understanding these concepts is essential for mastering ecosystem services and ecological succession apes worksheet materials.

Introduction to Biodiversity

This section provides an overview of biodiversity concepts and species classifications in ecosystems.

Biodiversity encompasses genetic, species, and habitat diversity within ecosystems. Greater genetic diversity allows populations to better respond to environmental stressors. The loss of habitat can lead to declines in specialist species adapted to specific conditions.

Definition: Species richness refers to the number of different species present in an ecosystem.

The text contrasts specialist and generalist species:

Highlight: Specialist species have narrow niches and are less adaptable, while generalist species have broad niches and are more adaptable to changing conditions.

Examples of specialists include koalas and pandas, while raccoons exemplify generalists.

Example: Koalas are specialists adapted to eating eucalyptus leaves, while raccoons are generalists that can thrive in diverse habitats and eat a variety of foods.

This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding biodiversity and genetic diversity in apes unit 2.