AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Introduction to Biodiversity
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
Which level of biodiversity is reduced by a population bottleneck?
A population bottleneck specifically leads to a loss of genetic diversity within a species.
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Which level of biodiversity is reduced by a population bottleneck?
A population bottleneck specifically leads to a loss of genetic diversity within a species.
Define genetic diversity.
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a given species, which allows populations to adapt to environmental stressors.
What is the typical sequence of species loss following habitat destruction?
Loss of habitat leads first to a loss of specialist species, which is then followed by a loss of generalist species.
Why is genetic diversity important for a population's survival?
The more genetically diverse a population is, the better it can respond to environmental stressors like disease or climate change.
How does species diversity affect an ecosystem's ability to recover from disruptions?
Ecosystems with a larger number of species (higher species diversity) are more resilient and more likely to recover from disruptions.
Why are species with large territorial requirements vulnerable to habitat loss?
Habitat loss directly reduces the area available for these species to hunt, mate, and live, leading to increased competition and reduced population numbers.
Two forests are hit by the same invasive beetle. Forest A has 25 tree species, while Forest B has only 3. Which forest is more likely to survive the infestation and why?
Forest A is more likely to survive because its higher species diversity (richness) makes it more resilient to disruptions like an invasive pest.
Define habitat diversity.
Habitat diversity refers to the range of different habitats or ecosystems in a particular area or region.
What is species richness?
Species richness refers to the total number of different species found in an ecosystem.
Explain the relationship between habitat loss and species diversity.
Loss of habitat is a primary driver of biodiversity loss, as it eliminates the specific resources and conditions that many specialist and generalist species need to survive.
What are the three levels of biodiversity?
The three levels of biodiversity are genetic, species, and habitat diversity.
A large portion of a forest is cleared for a housing development. Which group of species is most immediately threatened: specialists, generalists, or those with large territories?
Specialist species are most immediately threatened, followed by species with large territorial requirements, due to the specific and significant habitat loss.
What is the effect of a population bottleneck on genetic diversity?
A population bottleneck is an event that drastically reduces population size and leads to a loss of genetic diversity.
A koala only eats eucalyptus leaves. If a disease wipes out most eucalyptus trees, is the koala's survival threatened due to it being a specialist or a generalist?
The koala's survival is threatened because it is a specialist species, relying on a very limited food source that has been destroyed.