Biodiversity Overview Quiz

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms.

Levels of Biodiversity

1- Genetic Diversity

• Genetic diversity refers to the diversity within a species.
• It's the variation in genetic structure between individuals of the same species.
• Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to changing environments.
• Species with more genetic diversity are better able to adapt to environmental changes.

2- Species Diversity

• Species diversity refers to the variation of living species within a geographic area.

3- Ecosystem Diversity

• Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems present within a biosphere.

Uses of Biodiversity

• Food (vegetables, fruit, meat, milk, eggs, cheese)
• Medicine (sources for medicinal products, e.g., aspirin, morphine)
• Biological control (controlling pests using other organisms)
• Industrial materials (building materials, fibers, dyes, gums, rubber, oils, waxes, perfumes)
• Supporting ecosystem services (soil fertility, pollination, decomposition of waste, air and water purification, climate moderation)

Threats to Biodiversity

1. Habitat Loss

• Every species has a specific "home" or habitat with particular conditions.
• Disruptions to the environment can cause habitat loss and species homelessness.
• Habitat loss is the conversion of a natural ecosystem to a degraded system unable to support native wildlife.
• Construction of roads, industries, and agriculture causes habitat disruption.
• Habitat loss can lead to the disappearance of species.

2. Climate Change

• Human activities increase greenhouse gases, altering climate conditions (e.g., increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns).
• Climate change affects seasonal biological activities (e.g., migration, blooming, mating).
• Climate change puts species at risk of extinction.

3. Pollution

• Pollution reduces the growth and reproduction of organisms, ultimately impacting biodiversity.

4. Overexploitation

• Overexploitation of economic wild plants and animals is a major threat to biodiversity.

Conservation of Biodiversity

• Conservation involves managing human use of the biosphere to provide sustainable benefit to present and future generations.
• Two key strategies for biodiversity conservation are in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site).

1. In-situ Conservation

• In-situ conservation involves protecting organisms in their natural habitats.
• It involves protecting ecosystems through protected areas.

2. Ex-situ Conservation

• Ex-situ conservation involves conserving organisms outside their natural habitats.
• Conservation practices include botanical gardens, zoos, and seed banks.

Test your knowledge on biodiversity and its various levels, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Explore the significance and uses of biodiversity in our daily lives and the environment.