Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 14
Species Diversity Within and Among Ecosystems
Jonathan E.M. Baillie and Karolyn Upham
Glossary
Biodiversity
The variability among living organisms from all sources and
the ecological complexes of which they are part biodiversity
includes diversity within species between species and of
ecosystems.
Ecosystem
A dynamic complex of plant, animal, and microorganism
communities and their nonliving environment interacting as
a functional unit.
Ecosystem service
The benefits people obtain from ecosystems these include
provisioning services such as food and water regulating
services such as flood and disease control cultural services
such as recreation or spiritual benefits and supporting
services such as nutrient cycling.
Population
A geographic entity within a species that is distinguished
either ecologically or genetically.
Species (biological
species concept)
Interbreeding natural groups whose members are unable to
successfully reproduce with members of other such groups.
