Biodiversity and Ecosystems Quiz

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems.
• Species richness refers to the number of different species in a given area.
• Genetic diversity is the variation in genes within a species.
• Species diversity describes the variety of species present in a particular ecosystem.

Population Bottleneck

• A population bottleneck occurs when a population's size is drastically reduced, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

Ecosystems and Communities

• An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.
• A community is a group of interacting populations of different species living in the same area.

Specialist and Generalist Species

• Specialist species have narrow niches and rely on specific resources, making them vulnerable to environmental changes.
• Generalist species have broader niches and can adapt to a wider range of conditions, making them more resilient.

Endemic, Endangered, and CITES

• Endemic species are found only in a specific geographic area.
• Endangered species face a high risk of extinction.
• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Flora and Fauna) is an international agreement regulating trade in endangered species.

Biological Hotspots

• Biological hotspots are regions with high biodiversity and a significant number of endemic species.

Pioneer Species and Invasive Species

• Pioneer species are the first to colonize a new or disturbed habitat.
• Invasive species are non-native species that outcompete native species, causing harm to the ecosystem.

Speciation and Poaching

• Speciation is the process by which new species evolve.
• Poaching is the illegal hunting or capturing of wildlife.

Species Evenness

• Species evenness refers to the relative abundance of different species in a given area.

Environmental Stressors and Canopy

• Environmental stressors are factors that can negatively impact an organism's survival or reproduction.
• The canopy is the uppermost layer of vegetation in a forest.

GMO and Habitat Resilience

• GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
• Habitat resilience is the ability of a habitat to withstand disturbance and recover.

HIPPCO threats to Biodiversity

• Habitat loss
• Invasive species
• Pollution
• Population growth
• Climate change
• Overexploitation

The Video

• Biodiversity is essential for a healthy planet and provides many benefits for humans.
• We must protect and conserve biodiversity because it is facing increasing threats due to human activities.
• We can all contribute to protecting biodiversity by making sustainable choices and supporting conservation efforts.
• We can all learn to appreciate the variety of life on Earth and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

Poaching

• People poach endangered species for various reasons, including:

  • Traditional medicine: Some cultures believe that certain animal parts have medicinal properties.
  • Luxury goods: Animals like elephants are poached for their ivory, which is used in jewelry and other luxury items.
  • Profit: Endangered animals can be sold for high prices on the black market.

• As an animal becomes rarer, its value on the black market increases, making it even more lucrative for poachers.

Saving Endangered Species

• Conservation efforts can help save endangered species, including:
  • Habitat protection: Establishing protected areas and reducing habitat destruction.
  • Anti-poaching measures: Enforcing laws, patrolling protected areas, and raising public awareness.
  • Captive breeding programs: Breeding endangered animals in zoos and other facilities to increase their population.

Captive Breeding Programs

• Captive breeding programs raise endangered animals in controlled environments, often with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild.
• These programs can help stabilize populations and reduce the risk of extinction.
• An example of a highly successful captive breeding program is the California Condor Recovery Program. This program helped bring the California Condor back from the brink of extinction.

Ecosystem Service Functions

• Ecosystem service functions refer to the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems.
• There are four categories of ecosystem service functions:
  • Provisional: Providing essential resources like food, water, and timber.
  • Regulating: Controlling climate, water quality, and air quality.
  • Cultural: Providing recreational opportunities and spiritual inspiration.
  • Supporting: Providing essential processes like photosynthesis and nutrient cycling.

Forest Ecosystem Services

• Provisional: Timber, fuelwood, and food products.
• Regulating: Carbon sequestration and climate regulation.
• Cultural: Recreational opportunities and aesthetic beauty.
• Supporting: Soil formation, nutrient cycling, and water purification.

Soil Ecosystem Services

• Provisional: Agricultural production and food supply.
• Regulating: Water filtration and nutrient cycling.
• Cultural: Archaeological sites and cultural heritage.
• Supporting: Soil fertility and biodiversity.

Ocean Ecosystem Services

• Provisional: Seafood, minerals, and pharmaceuticals.
• Regulating: Climate regulation and carbon sequestration.
• Cultural: Recreation, tourism, and spiritual value.
• Supporting: Nutrient cycling, oxygen production, and biodiversity.

Island Biogeography

• Island biogeography studies the distribution and abundance of species on islands.
• Habitat fragmentation is the process of breaking up large habitats into smaller, isolated patches.

Amphibians

• Amphibians are a group of animals that live both in water and on land.

Indicator Species and Externalities

• Indicator species are sensitive to environmental changes and can provide early warnings of problems.
• Externalities are the costs or benefits of an action that are not reflected in the market price.

Island Size and Diversity

• Larger islands generally have more species diversity than smaller islands.
• This is because larger islands provide a greater variety of habitats and resources.

Island Distance and Diversity

• Islands farther from continents tend to have lower diversity than islands closer to continents.
• This is because it is more difficult for species to reach and colonize distant islands.

Extinction Rate and Island Size

• Extinction rates are higher on smaller islands.
• This is because smaller islands have smaller populations and are more vulnerable to disturbances.

Immigration Rate and Island Size

• Immigration rates are higher on larger islands.
• This is because larger islands are more likely to be colonized by new species.

Test your understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems with this quiz. It covers key concepts such as species richness, genetic diversity, and the differences between specialist and generalist species. Challenge yourself and enhance your knowledge of ecological dynamics!