BIOL 370 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-2: Gamma Diversity, Alpha Diversity, Adaptive Radiation
2 Apr 2019
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Document Summary
Species diversity: the number of species in a given ecosystem. Includes the entire range of evolutionary and ecological adaptations to the environment. Genetic diversity: the genetic variation found within each species. Important for reproductive vitality, resistance to disease, ability to adapt to changing conditions. Ecosystem/community diversity: the variety of habitat types and ecosystem processes extending over a given region. Results from the collective response of species to enviro conditions. Phyletic evolution: gradual transition from one species into another (which can no longer breed with the parent species). Adaptive radiation: local adaptation and subsequent speciation. Polyploids: offspring which have more chromosomes than parents due to unequal division. Species richness: the number of different species in a place. Alpha diversity: number of species in a local area / community. Gamma diversity: number of species in a large region / continent. Beta diversity: rate of change of species diversity along an environmental or geographical gradient.
