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Geographic Impact on Communities definitions

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  • Latitude
    A geographic coordinate that influences climate and species diversity, with diversity typically decreasing further from the equator.
  • Area
    A spatial factor affecting species diversity, where larger regions support more species due to increased resources and habitats.
  • Species Diversity
    A measure reflecting both the number and variety of species within a community, shaped by geographic and ecological factors.
  • Species Richness
    A count of different species present in a community, often used to compare biodiversity across regions.
  • Equator
    A region receiving the most direct sunlight and precipitation, fostering high biological productivity and species diversity.
  • Glaciation
    A historical process that resets communities at higher latitudes, reducing species diversity compared to tropical regions.
  • Island Equilibrium Model
    A concept describing how species numbers on islands stabilize when immigration balances extinction, influenced by size and distance.
  • Immigration Rate
    The frequency at which new species arrive in a community, higher on larger or closer islands.
  • Extinction Rate
    The frequency at which species disappear from a community, often higher on smaller or more isolated islands.
  • Mainland
    A primary source of species for islands, with proximity affecting immigration and species richness on nearby islands.
  • Microhabitat
    A small, specialized environment within a larger area, supporting unique species and contributing to overall diversity.
  • Disturbance
    An event that alters species numbers in a community, after which equilibrium is gradually restored.
  • Patch
    An isolated area of habitat, such as a lake or mountain peak, where island equilibrium principles can apply.
  • Tropical Community
    A biologically rich region near the equator, typically older and less affected by glaciation, supporting high species diversity.
  • Habitat
    A physical environment providing resources and conditions necessary for species survival and diversity.