Environmental Science: Biodiversity Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of species extinction worldwide?

  • Over-exploitation
  • Global climate change
  • Disease
  • Habitat destruction (correct)
  • Poaching has a history that dates back to the Stone Age.

    True

    What environmental issue leads to the spread of diseases among animals?

    Reduction in habitat causing high population densities

    _____ is the illegal hunting and harvesting of wild plants or animals.

    <p>Poaching</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Habitat Loss = When an animal loses its home Over-Exploitation = Illegal wildlife trade and overfishing Biodiversity = The variety of life in a particular habitat Urbanization = The increase of population in urban areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the world's wetlands have been drained?

    <p>50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the variety of life on Earth?

    <p>Biodiversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Planting trees can help reduce habitat loss.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one of the most often poached species in parks.

    <p>Ginseng</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Genetic biodiversity refers only to the different species found in an ecosystem.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who first coined the term 'biodiversity'?

    <p>Walter G. Rosen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The three types of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and __________ diversity.

    <p>ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are coprolites?

    <p>Dinosaur poo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a threat to biodiversity?

    <p>Education</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The earliest vascular plants appeared during the mid-Cambrian period.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is biogeography the study of?

    <p>Spatial distribution of organisms, species, and ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one example of homologous structures.

    <p>Limbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of biodiversity with their definitions:

    <p>Genetic Diversity = Total number of genetic characteristics in a species Species Diversity = Number and relative abundance of species in an area Ecosystem Diversity = Variety of habitats and community types in an area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Habitat __________ reduces the ability of species to survive due to fragmentation.

    <p>fragmentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Lamarck proposed the law of _______________ and disuse.

    <p>use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following scientists with their contributions:

    <p>Jean Baptiste de Lamarck = Theory of acquired characteristics Charles Darwin = Natural selection Gregor Mendel = Inheritance patterns Richard Dawkins = Selfish gene theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During what period did dinosaurs rule the earth?

    <p>Jurassic Period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Embryos of different species show significant differences during the early stages of development.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Homologous structures are derived from __________ evolution.

    <p>convergent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process describes how species survive by adapting to their environment?

    <p>Natural Selection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Darwinism refers to the idea that species do not change over time.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of dating used to determine the age of fossils?

    <p>Relative dating and radiometric dating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The structures of unrelated species that may evolve to look alike are known as ______ structures.

    <p>analogous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Homologous Structures = Structures with a common evolutionary origin Analogous Structures = Structures with similar functions but different origins Comparative Embryology = Study of similarities in embryonic development Geologic Time Scale = Chronological dating relating geological strata to time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a method for conserving biodiversity?

    <p>Commercializing Endangered Species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Trilobites are marine animals that belong to the class Crinoidea.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are imprint fossils?

    <p>Imprint fossils are formed when an organism leaves a trace or track in sediment which is then preserved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The word 'trilobite' means 'three ______' in Greek.

    <p>lobes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following fossils with their characteristics:

    <p>Imprint Fossils = Formed from tracks left in sediment Compression Fossils = Commonly found in plants, preserved in sedimentary rock Crinoids = Marine animals related to starfish Dinosaur Bone Fossils = Preserved remains or marks of dinosaurs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason for the rarity of animal compression fossils?

    <p>Physical compression often distorts their structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Environmental education plays a significant role in biodiversity conservation.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What class do crinoids belong to?

    <p>Crinoidea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biodiversity Overview

    • Term "biodiversity" was first coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1986.
    • Biodiversity encompasses various life forms, including unicellular organisms like bacteria and multicellular organisms such as plants, fish, and mammals.
    • It represents the total of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity which constitute essential life support for humans.

    Types of Biodiversity

    • Genetic Diversity: Variation of genetic characteristics within a species, influencing long-term survival. An example includes different dog breeds resulting from selective breeding.
    • Species Diversity: Refers to the number and abundance of species in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Species serve as the basic units of biological classification.
    • Ecosystem Diversity: Involves variety among ecosystems, including different habitats and community types, crucial for the biosphere's structure and function.

    Distribution of Biodiversity

    • Biodiversity distribution is uneven globally, with terrestrial biodiversity significantly greater than marine biodiversity, at a ratio of 25:1.
    • Biogeography studies the spatial distribution of organisms, species, and ecosystems.

    Threats to Biodiversity (HHPAGOD)

    • Habitat Destruction: This is the primary cause of species extinction worldwide, driven by human population pressure.
    • Habitat Fragmentation: Occurs due to human activities, reducing species' ability to thrive.
    • Pollution: Introduction of harmful substances like nutrients and chemicals disrupting ecosystems.
    • Alien Species: Non-native species introduced into new regions without natural predators, threatening local biodiversity.
    • Global Climate Change: Alters biotic and abiotic elements of ecosystems, leading to species endangerment.
    • Over-Exploitation: Illegal wildlife trade and overfishing threaten numerous species.
    • Disease: Increased population density due to habitat loss often leads to disease outbreaks.

    Reasons for Habitat Loss

    • Human activities causing habitat loss include agriculture, resource harvesting, industrial development, and urbanization.

    Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation

    • Protect remaining natural habitats and educate the public about biodiversity's importance.
    • Encourage habitat restoration through tree planting and home gardening.
    • Control human population growth and reduce urbanization's impact.

    Poaching and Its Implications

    • Poaching involves the illegal hunting and harvesting of wild plants and animals.
    • Driven by demand for animal parts and traditional medicinal beliefs, leading to significant biodiversity loss.

    Recent Issues on Biodiversity

    • Approximately 75% of genetic diversity in crop plants lost over the past century; three species extinctions occur every hour.
    • One-third of coral reefs are destroyed, with 24% of mammals and 12% of birds globally threatened.
    • Over 50% of wetlands drained since 1970, leading to severe declines in wetland species populations.

    Conservation Techniques (CCRRIPE)

    • Control urbanization and strengthen environmental legislation.
    • Utilize biotechnology for conservation efforts.
    • Restore habitats and revise agricultural practices focused on sustainability.
    • Provide environmental education to raise awareness.

    Evolutionary Concepts

    • Evolution denotes the development and diversification of living organisms from earlier forms over time.

    Fossil Types

    • Imprint Fossils: Created by organisms leaving tracks in sediment, later preserved by covering layers.
    • Compression Fossils: Formed when organisms are preserved in sedimentary rock under physical pressures.
    • Trilobites: Extinct arthropods known for their segmented bodies and fossilized exoskeletons.
    • Crinoids: Marine animals resembling plants, part of the Echinodermata phylum.
    • Dinosaur Bone Fossils: Include body fossils (bones) and trace fossils (tracks).
    • Vascular Plant Fossils: Represent early vascular plants appearing in the fossil record around 410 million years ago.

    Comparative Anatomy and Evolution

    • Homologous Structures: Similar physical features shared by organisms with a common ancestor serving different functions.
    • Embryonic Development: Early-stage embryos of various species display similarities, indicating common ancestry.
    • Jean Baptiste de Lamarck: Introduced theories of use and disuse, and inheritance of acquired traits.
    • Charles Darwin: Proposed natural selection, stating species undergo evolution through adaptation and survival of the fittest, leading to the concept of "Darwinism".

    Fossil Dating Techniques

    • Relative Dating: Organizes fossils and rock layers by age.
    • Radiometric Dating: Calculates the actual ages of rocks using radioactive decay.

    Geologic Time Scale

    • A chronological system relating geological strata to time, aiding in understanding the Earth's history and the evolutionary timeline.

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    Related Documents

    Biodiversity PDF

    Description

    This quiz reviews the essential concepts of biodiversity, including its definitions and components as introduced by Walter G. Rosen in 1986. Explore the importance of biological diversity in the biosphere and its implications for human survival. Test your knowledge on various life forms and their roles in the ecosystem.

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