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Questions and Answers
What is biodiversity?
What is biodiversity?
- The number of organisms in a community
- The genetic differences within a population
- The amount of biological or living diversity per unit area (correct)
- The variety of ecosystems in a region
What does ecosystem diversity refer to?
What does ecosystem diversity refer to?
The number and variety of ecosystems within a larger area
What is species diversity?
What is species diversity?
The number and relative abundance of species in a biological community
Define genetic diversity.
Define genetic diversity.
What is species richness?
What is species richness?
What does species evenness refer to?
What does species evenness refer to?
What is evolution in biological terms?
What is evolution in biological terms?
Define natural selection.
Define natural selection.
What is directional selection?
What is directional selection?
Define stabilizing selection.
Define stabilizing selection.
What is disruptive selection?
What is disruptive selection?
Define allopatric speciation.
Define allopatric speciation.
What is sympatric speciation?
What is sympatric speciation?
What are ecosystem services?
What are ecosystem services?
Define cultural services in the context of ecosystems.
Define cultural services in the context of ecosystems.
What are provisions in an ecological context?
What are provisions in an ecological context?
Define regulating services.
Define regulating services.
What are supporting services?
What are supporting services?
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Study Notes
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Diversity
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in a given area, including species, habitats, and genetics.
- Ecosystem diversity is the range and variety of ecosystems present within a larger region, such as forests, reefs, or oceans.
Species Diversity
- Species diversity encompasses the number and abundance of various species within a community.
- It is characterized by two components: species richness (total number of species) and species evenness (distribution of individuals among species).
Genetic Diversity
- Genetic diversity signifies the variety of genetic information within a species' gene pool.
- It is crucial for species' adaptability and resilience against environmental changes.
Evolution and Natural Selection
- Evolution is the process through which species develop and change over time due to various factors, including adaptation and genetic variance.
- Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, favoring individuals best adapted to their environment and enhancing their reproductive success.
Types of Natural Selection
- Directional selection targets individuals at one extreme of the phenotypic spectrum, promoting traits beneficial for survival.
- Stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes, ensuring their greater survival over extremes.
- Disruptive selection allows for the survival of individuals at both extremes of a phenotypic distribution while reducing the fitness of average individuals.
Speciation
- Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is geographically isolated, leading to the formation of a new species.
- Sympatric speciation arises from genetic changes within a subpopulation that isolates it reproductively from the main population.
Ecosystem Services
- Ecosystem services are the essential benefits that ecosystems provide, such as:
- Provisioning services: Supply of food and necessary resources.
- Regulating services: Management of ecosystem processes like climate and water regulation.
- Supporting services: Fundamental processes like nutrient cycling and soil formation that underpin other ecosystem functions.
- Cultural services: Non-material benefits like aesthetic and cultural experiences offered by ecosystems.
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