Species Diversity Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is species diversity?

The number of different species and the number of individuals of each species within a community.

Define genetic diversity.

The variety of genes possessed by the individuals that make up any one species.

What does ecosystem diversity refer to?

The range of different habitats within a particular area.

What are the two components of species diversity?

The number of different species in an area, and the proportion of the community that is made up of an individual species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for the species diversity index?

N(N-1)/sum of n(n-1) where N is the total number of organisms in the environment and n is the total number of organisms of each species. Signup and view all the answers

How does agriculture impact species diversity?

Genetic diversity is reduced, as farmers may breed selectively, which leads to undesirable species competing for resources and dying off. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of deforestation on species diversity?

It kills plant species, reducing species diversity and destroys habitats, which reduces the number of animal species. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Species Diversity

Refers to both the variety of different species and the abundance of individuals within a community.
Important for ecological balance and ecosystem functionality.

Genetic Diversity

Represents the range of genetic characteristics within a species.
Higher genetic diversity allows species to adapt better to environmental changes and resist diseases.

Ecosystem Diversity

Encompasses the variety of habitats found in a specific geographical area.
Crucial for sustaining different life forms and maintaining ecological processes.

Components of Species Diversity

Consists of two key elements: number of different species in an area and their relative abundance.
A balanced community features a rich variety of species alongside a good distribution of individuals.

Species Diversity Index

Calculated using the formula: N(N-1)/Σn(n-1), where N is the total number of organisms, and n is the number of organisms of each species.
A useful tool for quantifying species diversity in a given habitat.

Impact of Agriculture on Species Diversity

Agriculture practices, particularly selective breeding, can lead to a decrease in genetic diversity.
Farmers often promote a few desirable species, leading to competition for resources among less favored species, resulting in reduced biodiversity.

Impact of Deforestation on Species Diversity

Deforestation directly harms plant species, leading to diminished species diversity.
The destruction of habitats significantly affects animal populations, often leading to declines or extinctions.

Description

Explore key concepts in species diversity with these flashcards. Learn about species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity through clear definitions. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of ecological dynamics.