Biodiversity Overview and Conservation

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Questions and Answers

What is biodiversity and why is it important?

The number of different species in an area is called its biodiversity. It is important because it provides services such as air and water purification, potential new medicines, inspiration for art, and our economies depend on it.

What are the three different types of biodiversity? Explain or give examples.

The three different types of biodiversity are species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity. Examples of species diversity include animals, plants, and microorganisms. Genetic diversity refers to what makes all living things unique. Ecosystem diversity includes coastal dunes, forests, wetlands, and rivers.

What type of ecosystem in Michigan has the most diversity and why?

Wetlands have the most diversity because they have the greatest amount of species living in the habitats found there.

What is a threatened species?

A species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range; legally protected. Signup and view all the answers

What is an endangered species?

A species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range; legally protected. Signup and view all the answers

What is an extinct species?

A species that no longer exists on Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What are invasive species? How are they bad for ecosystems? Name four ways in which they can spread.

Invasive species are any kind of living organism that is not native to an ecosystem and which causes harm. They are bad for ecosystems because they have no natural predators or controls and can breed and spread quickly. They can spread through ballast water in ships, wood products such as firewood, ornamental plants that are not native to the area, and through the accidental or intentional release of species. Signup and view all the answers

What does interdependence mean?

A relationship where species rely on other species so that each benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What is competition?

Occurs whenever more than one individual or population tries to make use of the same limited resource. Signup and view all the answers

What is predation?

A type of feeding relationship in which one animal captures and eats another animal for food. The animal that is eaten is the prey; the animal eating the prey is the predator. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbiosis?

A close relationship between two species. Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism?

A relationship in which both species benefit; also known as 'interdependence.' Signup and view all the answers

What is commensalism?

A type of symbiosis in which one species benefits while the other seems to be unaffected. Signup and view all the answers

What is parasitism?

Occurs when an organism called a parasite feeds on the cells, tissues, or fluids of another organism called a host. The parasite benefits by getting food; the host is usually weakened, but not killed. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of competition.

Two owls fighting over a mouse. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of predation.

Cat and mouse; lion and gazelle; bear and fish. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of mutualism.

Clownfish and sea anemone; bee and flower. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of commensalism.

Egret and elephant; owl and tree. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of parasitism.

Dog and flea; human and mosquito. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 threats to Michigan's ecosystems and what do they mean? What is the acronym?

HIPPO: 1. Habitat Loss - plants/animals lose homes; 2. Invasive Species - species not native to the area; 3. Pollution - Earth harmed by pollutants; 4. Population Growth - too many organisms in an area; 5. Overuse of Resources - species are used more quickly than they can replace themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of HIPPO.

Habitat Loss - building construction, logging, filling wetlands; Invasive Species - see #5; Pollution - burning fossil fuels, oil spills, industrial waste; Population Growth - using too many resources; Overuse of Resources - extinction of passenger pigeons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biodiversity Overview

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species within a specific area.
It is essential for services like air and water purification, economic stability through crops, and potential medicines from undiscovered species.

Types of Biodiversity

Species Diversity: Includes animals, plants, and microorganisms.
Genetic Diversity: Represents the unique genetic variations among living organisms.
Ecosystem Diversity: Encompasses different ecosystems such as coastal dunes, forests, wetlands, and rivers.

Ecosystem Diversity in Michigan

Wetlands host the highest diversity due to a rich variety of species thriving in these habitats.

Conservation Status

Threatened Species: Likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future; legally protected.
Endangered Species: In immediate danger of extinction throughout a significant range; legally protected.
Extinct Species: No longer exists on Earth.

Invasive Species

Defined as non-native organisms that cause ecological harm.
Lack natural predators, allowing rapid reproduction and spread.
Common spread methods include ballast water from ships, wood products, ornamental plants, and accidental or intentional releases.

Interdependence and Key Ecological Relationships

Interdependence: Species rely on each other for mutual benefits.
Competition: Occurs when multiple organisms vie for the same limited resources.
Predation: A relationship where predators capture and consume prey, maintaining ecosystem balance.
Symbiosis: A close relationship between two species with various forms:
- Mutualism: Both species benefit (e.g., clownfish and sea anemone).
- Commensalism: One species benefits, and the other is unaffected (e.g., egret and elephant).
- Parasitism: A parasite benefits at the host's expense (e.g., dog and flea).

Threats to Michigan's Ecosystems (HIPPO)

Habitat Loss: Loss of homes for species due to construction, logging, and wetland filling.
Invasive Species: Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems, lacking natural controls.
Pollution: Harmful substances, including industrial waste and oil spills, damaging the environment.
Population Growth: Overcrowding leads to increased competition for limited resources.
Overuse of Resources: Exploitation of species faster than they can naturally replenish, leading to their extinction.

Examples of HIPPO Threats

Habitat Loss: Resulting from urban development.
Invasive Species: As mentioned earlier.
Pollution: Sources include fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities.
Population Growth: Leading to resource depletion and competition.
Overuse of Resources: Historical extinction cases like the passenger pigeon.

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Description

This quiz explores the various aspects of biodiversity, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, particularly focusing on Michigan's ecosystems. It also addresses the conservation status of different species and the impact of invasive species on biodiversity.