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Trait diversity refers to the variety of functional characteristics within a species or ecosystem, which can influence ecological processes and resilience to environmental changes. It is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services and adaptability, as it ensures that different functions are performed by various organisms, reducing vulnerability to disturbances.
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Functional diversity refers to the range of different biological traits within an ecosystem that influence how it functions and responds to environmental changes. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability, as it ensures a variety of ecological roles are fulfilled, enhancing adaptability to disturbances.
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Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing the differences within species, between species, and among ecosystems. It is crucial for ecosystem resilience, human survival, and provides numerous ecological services, yet is threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
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Ecosystem resilience refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and still maintain its essential functions and structure. It is a critical aspect of ecological stability, enabling ecosystems to recover from disruptions like natural disasters or human-induced changes.
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Adaptive capacity refers to the ability of a system, community, or individual to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences. It is a critical component in resilience and sustainability, enabling entities to cope with changes and uncertainties effectively.
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Community structure refers to the composition and organization of species within an ecological community, shaping interactions and dynamics that influence biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. It is determined by factors such as species richness, evenness, and the presence of keystone species, which together create a complex web of relationships and dependencies.
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Species richness refers to the number of different species represented in an ecological community, landscape, or region, serving as a fundamental measure of biodiversity. It is crucial for understanding ecosystem health and function, as higher Species richness often correlates with increased resilience and productivity.
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Niche differentiation is an ecological principle that allows multiple species to coexist in the same environment by utilizing different resources or engaging in different behaviors to minimize competition. This process enhances biodiversity and ecosystem stability by enabling species to exploit distinct ecological niches effectively.
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Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, encompassing provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. These services are crucial for human survival and well-being, as they include essential processes like pollination, water purification, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling.
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