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Questions and Answers
In the classification system, which group is the most inclusive?
In the classification system, which group is the most inclusive?
What is the correct scientific name for the red wolf?
What is the correct scientific name for the red wolf?
Which type of symbiotic relationship benefits both organisms involved?
Which type of symbiotic relationship benefits both organisms involved?
What type of symbiotic relationship exists between barnacles and whales?
What type of symbiotic relationship exists between barnacles and whales?
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Which of these is NOT a Kingdom in the 5 Kingdom classification system?
Which of these is NOT a Kingdom in the 5 Kingdom classification system?
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In the symbiotic relationship of the acacia tree and ants, what benefit does the tree receive?
In the symbiotic relationship of the acacia tree and ants, what benefit does the tree receive?
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Which of the following correctly defines the term 'symbiosis'?
Which of the following correctly defines the term 'symbiosis'?
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What is the main factor considered when classifying organisms into different Kingdoms?
What is the main factor considered when classifying organisms into different Kingdoms?
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What does the term 'niche' refer to in ecology?
What does the term 'niche' refer to in ecology?
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What is the primary result of interspecies competition?
What is the primary result of interspecies competition?
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What is resource partitioning?
What is resource partitioning?
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What is the main benefit of genetic variability within a species?
What is the main benefit of genetic variability within a species?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of an environmental change that could impact species survival?
Which of the following is NOT an example of an environmental change that could impact species survival?
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What is the key concept behind natural selection?
What is the key concept behind natural selection?
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How does the variation in beak shapes among Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands demonstrate natural selection?
How does the variation in beak shapes among Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands demonstrate natural selection?
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Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between variability and survival in a species?
Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between variability and survival in a species?
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What is the definition of "biological diversity"?
What is the definition of "biological diversity"?
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Why do scientists study ecosystems to understand biological diversity?
Why do scientists study ecosystems to understand biological diversity?
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What is a "population" in the context of biological diversity?
What is a "population" in the context of biological diversity?
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How does species distribution relate to biological diversity?
How does species distribution relate to biological diversity?
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Which of these is NOT a shared characteristic of all living things?
Which of these is NOT a shared characteristic of all living things?
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What is the significance of Carolus Linnaeus's work in understanding biological diversity?
What is the significance of Carolus Linnaeus's work in understanding biological diversity?
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Why is it important to understand biological diversity?
Why is it important to understand biological diversity?
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Which of the following is a valid example of a community in the context of biological diversity?
Which of the following is a valid example of a community in the context of biological diversity?
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Study Notes
Biological Diversity Unit A
- Biological diversity is the variety of life on Earth.
- Characteristics are passed from parents to offspring during reproduction.
- DNA is the inherited material responsible for variation.
- Human activity impacts biological diversity.
Examining Diversity
- Earth has approximately 1.5 million species of animals and 350,000 species of plants.
- A species is a group of organisms with similar structure that can reproduce with each other.
- There are estimated to be between 30-100 million species of organisms currently existing.
- All living things share certain characteristics, including being made up of cells.
- Living things need energy.
- Living things grow and develop.
- Living things reproduce.
- Living things adapt (are suited) to their environment.
Understanding Biological Diversity
- Biological diversity encompasses all types of organisms on Earth.
- The vastness of Earth necessitates studying diversity in smaller groups (ecosystems, populations, communities).
- An ecosystem includes living (biotic) things and their interaction with non-living (abiotic) elements within a shared environment.
- Species differ in varying environments.
- A population is a group of individuals of the same species within a specific area (e.g., all bullfrogs in a pond).
- A community is a group of different species living in the same area (e.g., plants, birds, and bullfrogs in a pond).
Species Distribution and Classification
- Species are not evenly distributed across the planet; greater diversity is observed near the equator.
- Carolus Linnaeus developed a naming system (taxonomy) to categorize organisms and distinguish similar-looking species.
- Species names consist of two parts, the genus and species.
- Examples: Canis rufus (red wolf), Canis lupus (timber wolf), and Canis familiaris (dog).
- Closely related species may share the same genus name but have different species names.
- Linnaeus categorized species into groups based on physical structure using a five-kingdom system: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista and Monera.
Classification System
- Organisms are classified into groups with a hierarchy: Kingdom, Phylum, Subphylum, Class, Order, Genus, Species.
Interdependence
- Each species relies on other species for survival within its environment.
- Food chains and food webs depict various interspecies relationships.
- Symbiosis is an interaction or association between members of different species.
- Types of symbiosis include commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism.
Commensalism
- One organism benefits while the other is neither benefited nor harmed.
- Example: Barnacles on whales; barnacles benefit by moving to new areas, whales are not affected.
Mutualism
- Both organisms benefit from the interaction.
- Example: Acacia tree and ants; ants protect the tree, and the tree provides food and shelter for the ants.
Parasitism
- One organism benefits, while the other is harmed.
- Example: Tapeworm in a human intestine; the tapeworm obtains nutrients from the host, harming the human.
Niches
- Niches represent an organism’s role within an ecosystem, including what it eats, what eats it, its habitat, nesting areas, and its impact on the community.
- Inter-species competition occurs when differing species compete for limited resources. The result is that species have less access to resources, which leads to more death, and starvation.
- Resource partitioning is a method used to manage limited resources by utilizing different parts or behaviors.
- Intra-species competition occurs when members of the same species compete for the same resources.
Variation Within Species
- A healthy ecosystem relies on the interaction of diverse communities and species.
- Ecosystems exhibit significant genetic diversity among species inhabiting them.
- Individuals within a population exhibit variations.
- Variability within species is important for survival during environmental changes (climate, predator, disease, resource depletion).
Natural Selection
- The environment "selects" individuals that survive long enough to reproduce based on their traits.
- Darwin's illustrations of Galapagos finches show variations in beak shapes reflecting adaptations to available food sources.
Homework
- Specific page numbers and questions for review.
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Description
Explore the fascinating concept of biological diversity in Unit A. This quiz covers essential topics such as the variety of life on Earth, species characteristics, DNA's role in inheritance, and the impact of human activity on ecosystems. Test your understanding of how living organisms adapt and survive in diverse environments.
