Biodiversity

• Habitat


  The specific place where a group of organisms live and interact with their environment.
• Population


  All the individuals of the same species living in a particular habitat and interacting with each other.
• Community


  A group of different species that live and interact with each other in the same habitat.
• Biotic factors


  Living organisms or their products that influence an ecosystem and its functioning.
• Abiotic factors

  Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, sunlight, water, and soil, that affect the organisms living in it.
• Ecosystem


  A complex system where living organisms (biotic factors) interact with each other and with their non-living environment (abiotic factors).
• Biodiversity


  The variety of life forms, including different species, genes, and ecosystems, present in a given area.
• Species


  A group of organisms that share common characteristics and can reproduce to produce fertile offspring.
• Genetic diversity


  The variety of genetic characteristics within and between species, including variations in the genetic code.
• Polymorphic gene loci


  A gene is considered polymorphic if it has more than one allele occupying its specific position (locus) within a population.
• Habitat diversity


  The range of different habitats present in a specific area, which contributes to overall biodiversity.
• Species diversity


  The number of different species and the abundance of each species in a particular area.
• Species richness


  The total number of different species present in a given habitat.
• Species evenness


  The relative abundance of each species in a particular habitat.
• Simpson's Diversity Index


  A measure of biodiversity that takes into account both species richness and species evenness in a given area.
• Random sampling


  A method of sampling where points are chosen randomly to gather data and reduce bias.
• Systematic sampling


  A method of sampling where points are taken at regular intervals or in a fixed pattern to gather data.
• Frame quadrat


  A sampling tool used to collect data on sessile or sedentary animals in an ecosystem.
• Species frequency


  The number of quadrats in which a particular species is found during a sampling survey.
• Species density


  The number of individuals of a species per unit area in a given habitat.
• Percentage cover


  The proportion of an area covered by a specific plant or sessile/sedentary animal in an ecosystem.
• Biomass


  The total mass of living organisms, usually measured per unit area or volume, in a given ecosystem.
• Abundance scales


  Specific scales used to measure the abundance of a particular species in an ecosystem.
• Mark-release-recapture technique


  A method used to estimate population size by marking individuals, releasing them, and then recapturing a portion of them to calculate the total population.
• Transect line


  A line used to collect samples along a specific path in an environment with a transition between different communities.
• Misidentification


  The act of incorrectly identifying a species, which can lead to inaccurate data and conclusions in ecological studies.
• Population growth


  The increase in the number of individuals in a population over time
• Limiting factors

  Factors that restrict the growth of a population, such as availability of resources, predation, and disease
• Carrying capacity


  The maximum population size that can be sustained by the available resources in a habitat
• Interspecific competition


  Competition between different species for resources, such as food, territory, or mates
• Intraspecific competition


  Competition between individuals of the same species for resources, such as food, territory, or mates
• Algal cell


  A single cell capable of asexual reproduction found in algae, which can contribute to population growth
• Lab conditions


  A controlled environment in a laboratory setting used for studying population growth and other ecological phenomena
• Measuring populations


  Methods used to estimate the size of a population, such as sampling techniques and mathematical models
• Sample


  A subset of individuals used to represent the entire population, allowing for population size estimation
• Unbiased sample


  A sample that is randomly or systematically selected without any bias, ensuring accurate representation of the population
• Stratified sample


  A sample that is divided into subgroups, and individuals are randomly selected from each subgroup, providing a representative sample
• Quadrat


  A square frame used to measure the abundance or density of organisms in a specific area, aiding in population assessment
• Transect


  A line along which the abundance or density of organisms is measured, helping to understand population distribution
• ACFOR scale


  A scale used to classify the abundance of organisms in a specific area, ranging from abundant to rare, providing insights into population size