Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is genetic diversity primarily a measure of?
What is genetic diversity primarily a measure of?
- The overall health of an ecosystem
- The number of organisms in a population
- The diversity of alleles and genes in the genome of a species (correct)
- The variety of habitats within an ecosystem
How do genetic differences arise between populations of the same species?
How do genetic differences arise between populations of the same species?
- From the introduction of new species into their habitat
- Through mutations that affect allele frequencies
- Due to different selection pressures in their habitats (correct)
- By random mating within the same locality
What can limit genetic diversity in a population?
What can limit genetic diversity in a population?
- High rates of inbreeding in small or isolated populations (correct)
- Large populations in diverse habitats
- High number of alleles for a single gene
- Frequent mutations creating new alleles
Why is genetic diversity important for a species?
Why is genetic diversity important for a species?
Which of the following describes a consequence of inbreeding in isolated populations?
Which of the following describes a consequence of inbreeding in isolated populations?
What does biodiversity encompass?
What does biodiversity encompass?
Which level of biodiversity refers to the number and range of different ecosystems?
Which level of biodiversity refers to the number and range of different ecosystems?
What is species richness?
What is species richness?
What generally indicates high biodiversity within a region?
What generally indicates high biodiversity within a region?
How is species evenness defined?
How is species evenness defined?
Why are ecosystems with high species diversity more stable?
Why are ecosystems with high species diversity more stable?
What characteristic of large sandy deserts contributes to their low biodiversity?
What characteristic of large sandy deserts contributes to their low biodiversity?
Which of the following ecosystems is likely to have the highest species diversity?
Which of the following ecosystems is likely to have the highest species diversity?
Study Notes
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity refers to the variation within and between all life forms.
- It's assessed at three levels:
- Ecosystem diversity: The range of ecosystems and habitats in a region.
- Species diversity: The number of species and their relative abundance.
- Genetic diversity: The variation in genes and alleles within a species.
- Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem resilience, allowing them to resist environmental changes.
Ecosystem Diversity
- A high number of different habitats within an area indicates high biodiversity.
- Coral reefs are examples of high biodiversity due to complex microhabitats and niches.
- Sandy deserts have low biodiversity due to homogenous conditions.
Species Diversity
- Species richness refers to the number of species in an ecosystem.
- Species diversity considers both richness and evenness of species abundance.
- Ecosystems with high species diversity are more stable and resilient to environmental changes.
- High species diversity buffers against the potential collapse of an ecosystem when pathogens target a dominant species.
Genetic Diversity
- Genetic diversity within a species involves the variation in alleles and genes.
- Allele frequencies can differ between populations due to varying selection pressures.
- Genetic diversity exists both within and between populations.
- Genetic diversity allows populations to adapt to environmental changes, including changes in biotic (predators, pathogens) and abiotic factors (temperature, rainfall).
- Small, isolated populations have limited genetic diversity due to inbreeding.
- Inbreeding leads to increased homozygosity and reduced genetic diversity, making recessive genetic diseases more common.
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Description
Explore the concept of biodiversity, including its levels: ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity. Understand how these variations contribute to ecosystem resilience and stability. Learn about the significance of species richness and evenness in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
