16 Questions
What does biodiversity refer to?
The richness and variety of life – of genes, species and ecosystems
Why is biodiversity important for the health of the earth and its people?
It maintains the health of the earth and its people
How does biodiversity contribute to the biosphere?
By maintaining the health of the biosphere
What is the role of biodiversity in providing food and medicine?
It provides us with food & medicine
How does a greater variety of species impact the biosphere?
The healthier the biosphere becomes
What is the effect of biodiversity on the economy?
It contributes to the economy through its richness and variety
What are the major factors that contribute to the diversity of living things?
Soils, geography, and the presence of other species
How does a large number of golden snails in a rice field impact rice harvest?
It predicts a low production of rice harvest
How can a larger number of different species in a certain area be viewed positively?
It can be a predictor of sustainable life in that area
Why is it important to preserve and conserve biodiversity?
To ensure a better survival rate against natural disasters
What is considered a major threat to biodiversity according to the United Nations' Environment Programme?
Habitat loss and destruction
What contributes to alterations in ecosystems and leads to species and habitat loss?
Alterations in ecosystem composition
What is often cited as the key reason for unsustainable exploitation of natural resources?
Over-hunting, overfishing, or over-collecting of species
What could be the result of humans inhabiting a forest and conducting land-clearing operations?
Displacement or killing of animals and insects
What does a change in biodiversity have erratic effects on?
Wildlife, marine life, and human beings
What is essential for understanding biodiversity within the concept of an ecosystem?
A thorough study on the relationship of living (biotic) and the nonliving (abiotic) organisms.
Study Notes
Biodiversity and Its Importance
- Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in an ecosystem or on Earth as a whole.
Role of Biodiversity in the Biosphere
- Biodiversity contributes to the biosphere by providing ecosystem services, such as air and water purification, soil formation, and climate regulation.
- A greater variety of species impacts the biosphere by increasing the resilience of ecosystems, making them better able to withstand disturbances and recover from disruptions.
Biodiversity and Food Security
- Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing food and medicine, as many crops and medicines rely on diverse species of plants and animals.
Economic Importance of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity has a significant impact on the economy, with many industries, such as tourism and agriculture, relying on diverse ecosystems.
Factors Contributing to Biodiversity
- The major factors that contribute to the diversity of living things include the availability of resources, such as water and nutrients, and the presence of particular environmental conditions.
Impact of Species on Ecosystems
- A large number of golden snails in a rice field can impact rice harvest by competing with the rice for resources and habitat.
- A larger number of different species in a certain area can be viewed positively, as it can lead to increased ecosystem resilience and function.
Importance of Preserving Biodiversity
- It is essential to preserve and conserve biodiversity to maintain the health of the Earth and its people, as it provides essential ecosystem services and supports human well-being.
Threats to Biodiversity
- The United Nations' Environment Programme considers habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources as major threats to biodiversity.
- Human activities, such as land-clearing operations, can contribute to alterations in ecosystems and lead to species and habitat loss.
Unsustainable Exploitation of Resources
- The key reason for unsustainable exploitation of natural resources is often cited as the pursuit of short-term economic gain, without considering the long-term consequences.
Impact of Human Activities on Biodiversity
- Human activities, such as inhabiting a forest and conducting land-clearing operations, can result in a loss of biodiversity, leading to erratic effects on ecosystems and the services they provide.
Understanding Biodiversity
- Understanding biodiversity within the concept of an ecosystem is essential for maintaining ecosystem function and resilience.
Test your understanding of the role of biodiversity in the development of society and the environment, as well as its interrelatedness with health. This quiz is based on the science, technology, and society lesson on biodiversity and its impact on a healthy society.
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