10 Questions
What is the term for physical features of an organism that have evolved to help it survive and thrive in its environment?
Structural adaptations
Which of the following is NOT one of the biggest threats to biodiversity mentioned in the text?
Genetic diversity
What do exaptations refer to?
Traits that evolve for one purpose but serve a different function
What does the conservation status of a species refer to?
The risk of extinction faced by the species in the wild
Which of the following does NOT contribute to the threats to biodiversity mentioned in the text?
Human population growth
What does biodiversity refer to?
The variety of life on Earth, including all living organisms
Which of the following is NOT a component of species diversity?
Habitat Diversity
What does Species Evenness refer to?
Relative abundance of different species within a community
Which of the following is NOT an ecosystem service provided by species diversity?
Waste Accumulation
How does biodiversity help maintain ecosystems?
By ensuring nature continues to function properly
Study Notes
Threats to Biodiversity
- Climate change, pollution, habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, invasive species, and overexploitation are major threats to biodiversity
- These threats lead to loss of biodiversity, disrupting the balance of nature
Adaptation and Survival
- Adaptation is the process by which organisms evolve traits to enhance survival and reproduction in a particular environment
- Structural adaptations: physical or morphological features that help organisms survive and thrive in their environment
- Behavioral adaptations: actions or behaviors that improve chances of survival and reproduction in a specific environment
- Exaptations: traits that originally evolved for one purpose but serve a different function, providing an advantage in a new context or environment
- Vestigial structures: adaptations that are superseded by other more useful traits or changes in the environment
Conservation Status and Extinction
- Conservation status refers to the assessment of the risk of extinction faced by a species in the wild
What is Biodiversity?
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including all living organisms, ecosystems, and habitats
- It encompasses species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity
Importance of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems, ensuring the continuation of natural resources like clean air, food, and water
Types of Biodiversity
- Genetic diversity
- Species diversity
- Ecological diversity
Components of Species Diversity
- Species richness: total number of different species present in a given area or ecosystem
- Species evenness: relative abundance of different species within a community or ecosystem
- Species abundance: number of individuals of a particular species within a community or ecosystem
Value of Species Diversity
- Ecosystem services provided by species diversity include pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control
Test your knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystems with this quiz that covers topics such as the variety of life on Earth and the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystems.
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