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Questions and Answers
What is genetic diversity primarily a measure of?
How do genetic differences arise between populations of the same species?
What can limit genetic diversity in a population?
Why is genetic diversity important for a species?
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Which of the following describes a consequence of inbreeding in isolated populations?
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What does biodiversity encompass?
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Which level of biodiversity refers to the number and range of different ecosystems?
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What is species richness?
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What generally indicates high biodiversity within a region?
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How is species evenness defined?
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Why are ecosystems with high species diversity more stable?
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What characteristic of large sandy deserts contributes to their low biodiversity?
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Which of the following ecosystems is likely to have the highest species diversity?
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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.
