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Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the concept of ecosystem diversity?
Which of the following best describes the concept of ecosystem diversity?
- The total number of different living organisms on Earth.
- The differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a single species.
- The number of different species living in a specific geographical location.
- The range of different habitats, biological communities, and ecological processes present in the biosphere. (correct)
According to the information provided, what is the estimated range of the total number of species on Earth?
According to the information provided, what is the estimated range of the total number of species on Earth?
- 5 - 30 million (correct)
- 5 - 10 million
- 1.7 - 2 million
- 30 - 50 million
Which of these regions is recognized for having some of the highest levels of biodiversity?
Which of these regions is recognized for having some of the highest levels of biodiversity?
- Tropical moist rainforests of Southeast Asia (correct)
- Deserts of North Africa
- Temperate forests of Europe
- Arctic tundra of Northern Canada
How does maintaining a broad genetic base in economically important organisms contribute to agriculture?
How does maintaining a broad genetic base in economically important organisms contribute to agriculture?
What is the primary risk associated with the development of genetically uniform crops?
What is the primary risk associated with the development of genetically uniform crops?
About how many different crops provide 90% of the world's food needs?
About how many different crops provide 90% of the world's food needs?
What percentage of human calorie intake is provided by rice, maize, and wheat?
What percentage of human calorie intake is provided by rice, maize, and wheat?
How many people are estimated to get food from forests?
How many people are estimated to get food from forests?
Which of the following is the MOST significant threat to seagrass beds due to increasing coastal industrialization?
Which of the following is the MOST significant threat to seagrass beds due to increasing coastal industrialization?
How do seagrass beds contribute to the health of adjacent coral reefs?
How do seagrass beds contribute to the health of adjacent coral reefs?
What is the primary role of zooxanthellae in the survival of coral animals?
What is the primary role of zooxanthellae in the survival of coral animals?
Which of the following characteristics is NOT essential for coral reef survival?
Which of the following characteristics is NOT essential for coral reef survival?
In what way do coral reefs offer protection to coastlines?
In what way do coral reefs offer protection to coastlines?
How does the removal of seagrass beds impact the marine environment?
How does the removal of seagrass beds impact the marine environment?
What is the critical function of the calcium carbonate skeleton secreted by coral polyps?
What is the critical function of the calcium carbonate skeleton secreted by coral polyps?
Which ecological role do seagrasses and coral reefs share in Caribbean ecosystems?
Which ecological role do seagrasses and coral reefs share in Caribbean ecosystems?
A researcher aims to develop a new insect repellent using natural sources. Based on the text, which plant would be most promising to investigate?
A researcher aims to develop a new insect repellent using natural sources. Based on the text, which plant would be most promising to investigate?
How does biodiversity contribute to the pharmaceutical industry, according to the information?
How does biodiversity contribute to the pharmaceutical industry, according to the information?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of ecosystem stability as described?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of ecosystem stability as described?
A scientist is researching potential solutions for increasing food production in areas with poor soil quality. Based on the text, which area of study would likely be most beneficial?
A scientist is researching potential solutions for increasing food production in areas with poor soil quality. Based on the text, which area of study would likely be most beneficial?
If a pharmaceutical company wants to research plants with medicinal properties, which location would be the most promising place to start, according to the text?
If a pharmaceutical company wants to research plants with medicinal properties, which location would be the most promising place to start, according to the text?
How does natural selection play a role in providing humans with useful resources, based on the information provided?
How does natural selection play a role in providing humans with useful resources, based on the information provided?
Consider a scenario where a specific plant species is found to have both medicinal and industrial applications. What would be the most likely implication of this discovery for conservation efforts?
Consider a scenario where a specific plant species is found to have both medicinal and industrial applications. What would be the most likely implication of this discovery for conservation efforts?
A remote community relies heavily on traditional medicine derived from local plants. Deforestation is occurring at an increasing rate. What is the most likely consequence of this deforestation on the community's healthcare?
A remote community relies heavily on traditional medicine derived from local plants. Deforestation is occurring at an increasing rate. What is the most likely consequence of this deforestation on the community's healthcare?
A population of lizards is isolated on a remote island. Over many generations, they evolve unique scale patterns and feeding behaviors compared to mainland lizards. Which factor most significantly contributes to this divergence?
A population of lizards is isolated on a remote island. Over many generations, they evolve unique scale patterns and feeding behaviors compared to mainland lizards. Which factor most significantly contributes to this divergence?
Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to a species becoming endangered due to low reproductive rates?
Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to a species becoming endangered due to low reproductive rates?
A species of sea turtle lays hundreds of eggs, but only a few hatchlings survive to adulthood. What concept does this exemplify regarding its vulnerability to endangerment?
A species of sea turtle lays hundreds of eggs, but only a few hatchlings survive to adulthood. What concept does this exemplify regarding its vulnerability to endangerment?
A bird species nests exclusively in a specific type of tree hollow found only in old-growth forests. Deforestation significantly reduces the availability of these nesting sites. What factor is contributing to the species' vulnerability?
A bird species nests exclusively in a specific type of tree hollow found only in old-growth forests. Deforestation significantly reduces the availability of these nesting sites. What factor is contributing to the species' vulnerability?
The koala is a marsupial that feeds almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. How does this specialized diet affect the koala's vulnerability to environmental change?
The koala is a marsupial that feeds almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. How does this specialized diet affect the koala's vulnerability to environmental change?
What is the most likely consequence for a population if its density falls below the critical minimum needed for successful reproduction?
What is the most likely consequence for a population if its density falls below the critical minimum needed for successful reproduction?
Why does a decline in the numbers of endangered and threatened species represent a decline in biodiversity?
Why does a decline in the numbers of endangered and threatened species represent a decline in biodiversity?
A researcher observes that a population of endangered salamanders has very little genetic variation. What is the most likely long-term consequence of this lack of genetic diversity for the salamander population?
A researcher observes that a population of endangered salamanders has very little genetic variation. What is the most likely long-term consequence of this lack of genetic diversity for the salamander population?
Which marine ecosystem is recognized for its ability to protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge?
Which marine ecosystem is recognized for its ability to protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge?
How do coral reefs contribute to the development of new medicines?
How do coral reefs contribute to the development of new medicines?
What critical role do seagrass beds play in the marine environment that directly supports a wide range of marine life?
What critical role do seagrass beds play in the marine environment that directly supports a wide range of marine life?
If a coastal region experienced a significant decline in its mangrove forests, what would be the most likely direct consequence?
If a coastal region experienced a significant decline in its mangrove forests, what would be the most likely direct consequence?
Which of these factors poses the greatest threat specifically to the biodiversity and health of coral reef ecosystems worldwide?
Which of these factors poses the greatest threat specifically to the biodiversity and health of coral reef ecosystems worldwide?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies biotic pollution leading to species endangerment?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies biotic pollution leading to species endangerment?
A population of native fish in a river system drastically declines after the introduction of a non-native fish species. Which of the following conservation strategies would be most effective in addressing this issue?
A population of native fish in a river system drastically declines after the introduction of a non-native fish species. Which of the following conservation strategies would be most effective in addressing this issue?
How does habitat destruction primarily contribute to species endangerment?
How does habitat destruction primarily contribute to species endangerment?
Which of the following examples illustrates an instance of commercial hunting leading to species endangerment?
Which of the following examples illustrates an instance of commercial hunting leading to species endangerment?
What is the primary goal of in situ conservation methods?
What is the primary goal of in situ conservation methods?
What is a key difference between in situ and ex situ conservation strategies?
What is a key difference between in situ and ex situ conservation strategies?
A large area of rainforest is cleared to create farmland. What is the most likely consequence of this deforestation on the local ecosystem's biodiversity?
A large area of rainforest is cleared to create farmland. What is the most likely consequence of this deforestation on the local ecosystem's biodiversity?
Which conservation approach would be most suitable for preserving a critically endangered plant species with very limited genetic diversity and a rapidly declining population size?
Which conservation approach would be most suitable for preserving a critically endangered plant species with very limited genetic diversity and a rapidly declining population size?
Flashcards
Biodiversity definition?
Biodiversity definition?
The variety of living organisms, their ecosystems, and ecological processes.
Genetic Diversity
Genetic Diversity
Variety of genes within a single species.
Species Diversity
Species Diversity
Variety of different living organisms in a specific region.
Ecosystem Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
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Highest Species Diversity
Highest Species Diversity
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Biodiversity Hotspots
Biodiversity Hotspots
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Top 3 Calorie Crops
Top 3 Calorie Crops
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Wild Plant Importance
Wild Plant Importance
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Galapagos Tomato Resistance
Galapagos Tomato Resistance
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Plant-derived Products
Plant-derived Products
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Neem Tree Benefits
Neem Tree Benefits
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Painted Daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium)
Painted Daisy (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium)
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Natural Product Medicines
Natural Product Medicines
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Examples of Natural Product Medicines
Examples of Natural Product Medicines
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Forest's Environmental Role
Forest's Environmental Role
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Soil Microorganism Role
Soil Microorganism Role
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Seagrasses
Seagrasses
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Dominant Caribbean Seagrasses
Dominant Caribbean Seagrasses
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Seagrass Functions
Seagrass Functions
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Threats to Seagrass Beds
Threats to Seagrass Beds
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Coral Reefs
Coral Reefs
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Polyps
Polyps
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Types of Coral Reefs
Types of Coral Reefs
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Importance of Coral Reefs
Importance of Coral Reefs
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Isolated Populations
Isolated Populations
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Limited Genetic Variability
Limited Genetic Variability
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Increased Vulnerability
Increased Vulnerability
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Low Reproductive Rates
Low Reproductive Rates
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Low Reproductive Success
Low Reproductive Success
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Specialized Breeding Areas
Specialized Breeding Areas
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Specialized Feeding Habits
Specialized Feeding Habits
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Critical Population Density
Critical Population Density
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Mangrove Importance
Mangrove Importance
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Seagrass Beds
Seagrass Beds
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Coral Reef Importance
Coral Reef Importance
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Plants as Sources of Drugs
Plants as Sources of Drugs
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Importance of Citations
Importance of Citations
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Habitat Destruction
Habitat Destruction
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Biotic Pollution
Biotic Pollution
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Subsistence Hunting
Subsistence Hunting
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Sport Hunting
Sport Hunting
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Commercial Hunting
Commercial Hunting
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Conservation Biology
Conservation Biology
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In Situ Conservation
In Situ Conservation
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Ex Situ Conservation
Ex Situ Conservation
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Study Notes
- Biodiversity includes the variety of living organisms, ecosystems, and ecological processes.
Categories of Biodiversity:
- Genetic Diversity: Variety of genes within a species.
- Species Diversity: Variety of living organisms in a region.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of habitats, biotic communities, and ecological processes in the biosphere.
- Estimated to be between 5 to 30 million species, only 1.7 to 2 million have been formally identified
- Greatest species diversity is exhibited by microbes, insects, and small sea organisms.
- Areas richest in biodiversity: tropical moist forests of Southeast Asia, Central Africa, West Central Africa, and Tropical Latin America.
Importance of Biodiversity:
- Humans and animals rely on plants for food.
- 90% of food needs are met by 15 crops, with rice, maize, and wheat providing two-thirds of calorie intake.
- Forests provide food for an estimated 1.6 billion people living within 5 km of forests
- Dominant livestock types: poultry, cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
- Maintaining a broad genetic base for economically important organisms is crucial.
- Genetic uniformity in crops can increase susceptibility to pests and diseases.
- Crossing "super strains" with genetically diverse relatives can reintroduce disease and pest resistance.
- Wild plants offer genes that can confer beneficial properties to conventional crops.
Industrial Importance:
- Modern industry relies on genetic material from organisms, especially plants
- Plants are a source of oils, lubricants, perfumes, dyes, paper, lumber, waxes, rubber, resins, poisons, corks, and fibers,
- Animals provide wool, silk, fur, leather, lubricants, waxes, and transportation.
- Neem tree repels insects, has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant properties, used in hair and skin products.
- Painted daisy produces six toxins used to create pyrethrin, an insecticide.
Medicinal Importance:
- Genetic resources of organisms are vital to the pharmaceutical industry.
- Approximately 50% of drugs approved in the last 30 years are derived from natural products
- Jamaica contains approximately 52% of established medicinal plants on Earth, playing a key role in traditional medicine.
- Plants used medicinally: cerasee, aloe vera, noni, and guinea hen weed.
- Animals are sources of drugs and are important in medical research.
Ecosystem Stability:
- Plants, animals, fungi, and other microorganisms are instrumental in many environmental processes.
- Forests act as watersheds, reducing floods.
- Insects transfer pollen for flowering plants.
- Soil dwellers (earthworms, bacteria) maintain soil fertility.
- Bacteria and fungi decompose organic material, allowing nutrient recycling.
Scientific Importance:
- Studying organisms leads to breakthroughs in medicine, industry, genetic engineering, and agriculture. Scientific research is a subset of these areas.
Genetic Engineering:
- Incorporates genes from one organism into another, expanding the use of genetic resources.
- Human insulin gene engineered into bacteria for low-cost insulin production.
- Genetic engineering produces new vaccines, more productive farm animals, and agricultural products with desirable traits.
- Engineering depends on a diversity of genes.
Aesthetic Value:
- Organisms provide recreation, inspiration, and spiritual solace.
Ethical Value:
- Strongest ethical consideration is how humans view their relationship to other species
- Traditional view: humans are masters who can subdue and exploit
- Alternative view: organisms have intrinsic value, humans are stewards
Caribbean Aquatic Ecosystems:
- Mangroves: plant communities between sea and land, inundated by tides
- Mangrove trees are the only trees that can survive in salt water.
- Three main types in Jamaica: Red, Black, and White mangroves.
Mangroves provide valuable environmental services:
- Protect coastlines from erosion and hurricanes.
- Protect coastal water quality by filtering sediments and pollutants.
- Promote sediment deposition.
- Provide habitat, nursery, breeding and fishing grounds for fish, invertebrates, and plants.
Mangrove forests are threatened by:
- Excessive siltation and sedimentation.
- Major oil spills.
- Reduced freshwater inflows and altered flushing patterns.
- Deforestation.
- Dumping and filling for construction.
Seagrass Beds:
- Submerged marine plants in shallow coastal waters.
- Require sunlight and clear, swallow water to survive.
- Three species dominate: turtle grass, manatee grass, and shoal grass.
Seagrasses:
- Provide habitat and nursery grounds.
- Stabilize sediment, preventing turbidity that affects coral reefs.
- Reduce wave action.
- Absorb nitrates and phosphates from land runoff.
Seagrass beds are threatened by:
- Excess nutrients into coastal waters.
- Removal by dredging for construction.
- Propeller damage from boating.
- Anchoring.
- Deployment of moorings.
- Fishing and recreational sports.
Coral Reefs:
- Biological communities that are very diverse
- Coral animals are tiny, plant-like and depend on clear, warm, shallow seawater.
- Corals need light for symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) to photosynthesize
- Corals live in colonies, made of polyps, and secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton.
- Coral reefs grow slowly from the calcareous remains of organisms.
- Three types of reefs: fringing, barrier and atoll.
Coral reefs are important because they:
- Provide habitat for marine creatures.
- Are a food source.
- Are a resource for tourism.
- Control ocean carbon dioxide levels.
- Protect coastlines from waves.
- Have medicinal value.
- Provide sediments for white sand beaches.
- Are a breeding ground for aquatic species.
Coral reefs are threatened by:
- Disease.
- Storm damage.
- Wave action.
- Warmer water temperature caused by global warming.
- Ocean acidification from increased carbon dioxide.
- Unsustainable fishing methods.
- Pollution from runoff, oil spills, and sediment.
Abiotic Factors: Weather and Climate:
- Weather: atmospheric condition at specific place and time.
- Climate: average weather conditions over years.
- Two factors determining climate: temperature and precipitation.
- Precipitation: any form of water falling from the atmosphere.
- Climate: Average weather conditions over a long period.
- Organisms adapt to climatic conditions.
Biomes:
- A biome is a large, distinct terrestrial region with similar climate, soil, plants, and animals, wherever it occurs in the world.
- The term is restricted to terrestrial systems.
- Eight major groups: tundra, taiga, temperate deciduous forest, temperate grassland, chaparral, desert, savannah, and tropical rainforest.
- Tundra: northernmost biome, characterized by permafrost, low vegetation, and a short growing season.
- Taiga: (boreal forest) lies south of the tundra and is dominated by large conifers.
- Temperate deciduous forest: Precipitation is relatively high, dominated by trees that lose their leaves seasonally.
- Temperate grasslands: Annual temperature fluctuations with hot summers and cold winters, causing specific growing periods.
- Chaparral: Thickets of small-leaved evergreen shrubs and trees with wet, mild winters and very dry summers.
- Savannah: Widely scattered trees interspersed with grassy areas.
- Deserts: Little precipitation, with communities adapted for water conservation.
- Tropical rainforest: Located around the equator in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Rainforest: Temperatures are warm year-round with almost daily precipitation; 125-660 cm annually.
- Soil: highly weathered, mineral poor, and species diversity abundant.
- Trees: form a dense multi-layered canopy.
- Deforestation is a major problem in tropical rainforests.
- 10.2 million acres of primary rainforest lost globally in 2022
- 40% of that tree loss occurred in Brazil, then the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bolivia.
- Clearing land for agriculture and firewood are the main causes of Deforestation.
Species Endangerment and Extinction:
- Threatened Species: Any species vulnerable to extinction in the near future.
- IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature): leading authority on threatened species
Three Categories of Threatened Species:
- Vulnerable Species: Least critical, but face a high risk of extinction, e.g. Jamaican Yellow-Billed Amazon parrot, cheetah, lion, polar bear, giant panda, komodo dragon.
- Vulnerability is usually caused by habitat destruction
- Endangered Species: Face a very high risk of extinction, e.g. Giant swallowtail butterfly, Jamaican Black-Billed Amazon parrot, blue whale, tiger, Tasmanian devil.
- Threat: environmental changes and habitat destruction.
- Critically Endangered Species: Face an extremely high risk of extinction, e.g. Jamaican Iguana, Vaquita .
- Critically endangered species have had an 80% population decrease in three generations
Extinct Species:
- A species that no longer survives anywhere.
- Not declared extinct until extensive surveys confirm absence.
- Some possibly extinct species are categorized as "critically endangered." The IUCN has put in place two categories of extinct: “extinct” and “extinct in the wild".
Mass Extinction:
- Times in Earth's prehistory with many disappeared species during a relatively short time.
Range:
- The particular area in which a species is found.
Characteristics of Endangered Species:
- Occupy a Extremely Small Area.
- Require a Large Territory to Survive.
- Living in Isolation: Populations in isolation.
- Low reproductive rates: Organisms invest.
- Breed only in specialized Areas: Species only bread.
Human Causes of Species Endangerment and Extinction:
- Habitat Destruction: Most species facing extinction are endangered because of habitat destruction by human activities.
- Biotic pollution: Introduction.
- Hunting: Species become.
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Description
Explore ecosystem diversity, species estimation, and biodiversity hotspots. Understand genetic diversity importance in crops and risks of uniformity. Learn about major crops, forest food sources, and threats to seagrass and coral reefs.