RNR 1001 Chapter : Species
Document Summary
Life in the biosphere is based on the evolution of species: species- organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, some species can interbreed, but the resulting hybrids have reduced fertility or are sterile. Each species can be defined by its ecological niche: the functional role of a species, predator, herbivore, etc. (what they do) or, all of the resources used by a species to live, ex. Bullhorn acacia cannot survive without being colonized by the acacia ant. Generalist species have broad niches (typically pests, very adaptable: ex. House sparrows, mice people: have very long axes. Specialist species: can have all long axes except for one short one, ex. Panda"s short axis is bamboo (either has it or doesn"t: conservation efforts tend to focus on them. Keystone species- an species whose niche is critical to others: ex. Dig tunnels that become the exclusive habitat for other species to live in.
