Understanding Biodiversity

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes 'genetic diversity'?

  • The number of different species in an ecosystem.
  • The richness and complexity of a biological community.
  • The measure of different ecosystems within a biome.
  • The variety of versions of the same genes within individual species. (correct)

Which of the following accurately describes 'species diversity'?

  • The variety of genes within a single population.
  • The total number of different ecosystems in a region.
  • The measure of genetic variation within a single species.
  • The number of different kinds of organisms within individual communities or ecosystems. (correct)

How does 'ecological diversity' contribute to the overall biodiversity of an area?

  • By measuring the genetic similarities between species.
  • By enhancing the richness and complexity of biological communities through niches and trophic levels. (correct)
  • By reducing competition between different populations.
  • By increasing the number of individuals within a species.

An 'endemic species' is best defined as one that:

<p>can only be found in a particular geographic location. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a 'native species'?

<p>It naturally exists in a particular area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do 'invasive species' typically impact an ecosystem?

<p>By outcompeting native species and disrupting the ecosystem. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an 'endangered species' from other species classifications?

<p>Their numbers are critically low, placing them at risk of extinction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines an 'extinct species'?

<p>A species that no longer exists. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are 'keystone species' considered particularly important in an ecosystem?

<p>Because they play a critical role that is disproportionate to their abundance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of 'biodiversity hotspots'?

<p>High species diversity but under significant threat of destruction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are most of the world's biodiversity hotspots located?

<p>Near the equator. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Coral Triangle is an example of a biodiversity hotspot. What makes this area so significant?

<p>It has a notably high level of marine biodiversity and is at risk. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does biodiversity contribute to the availability of food and medicine?

<p>By providing a wide variety of edible plants, animals, and sources for medicinal compounds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ecological benefit does biodiversity offer in terms of ecosystem sustainability?

<p>It helps biological communities to withstand environmental stress and recover more quickly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does biodiversity contribute to aesthetic and existence values?

<p>By providing opportunities for recreation and cultural activities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'habitat fragmentation', and how does it threaten biodiversity?

<p>The breakup of large habitats into small, isolated segments which can limit species' ability to thrive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'pollution' pose a threat to biodiversity?

<p>By introducing harmful substances like pesticides and plastics that damage ecosystems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'population growth' threaten biodiversity?

<p>By reducing the amount of space and resources available for other species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'overharvesting' refer to, and why is it a threat to biodiversity?

<p>Taking more individuals of a species than reproduction can replace. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development?

<p>Biodiversity conservation is an integral part of sustainable development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms in a specific environment.

Genetic diversity

A measure of the variety of versions of genes within a species.

Species diversity

The number of different kinds of organisms within a community.

Ecological diversity

The richness and complexity of a biological community.

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Endemic species

A species that is exclusive in a particular place.

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Native Species

Naturally existing organism in a particular area.

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Invasive Species

Introduced species that

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Endangered species

A species that is almost near extinction

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Extinct Species

Species that no longer exists.

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Keystone Species

A species that plays a critical role in a biological community that is out of proportion to its abundance

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Biodiversity Hotspots

Areas with high biodiversity but are at greater risk of being destroyed

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Benefits of Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms contributes to food and medicines

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Threats to Biodiversity

Destruction, invasive species, pollution, population growth, and overharvesting.

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Habitat Destruction

Conversion of forests to farmlands and human settlement

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Invasive Species

Alien, exotic, non-native, nonindigenous, pests

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Pollution

Pesticides, microplastics, heavy metals

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Population Growth

Competes with space and resources and expands agriculture and urbanization

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Overharvesting

Taking more individuals than reproduction can replace

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Study Notes

  • Biodiversity includes the variety of living organisms in a given area

Motivation

  • Identifying the array of living organisms in different settings helps illustrate biodiversity
  • Different settings include immediate surroundings, gardens, and fictional environments
  • Variation in the number of organisms in different areas is dependent on available resources

Components of Biodiversity

  • Genetic diversity is the measure of variety within individual species
  • Species diversity is the number of different kinds of organisms in a community or ecosystem
  • Ecological diversity refers to the richness and complexity of a biological community
  • Ecological diversity is measured in niches, trophic levels, and ecological processes

Classification of Species

  • Endemic species can only be found in a particular region
  • Native species are naturally existing organisms in a specific area
  • Invasive species are introduced species that disturb the ecosystem
  • Endangered species have very few numbers and are near extinction
  • Extinct species no longer exist
  • Keystone species play a critical role in a biological community
  • This critical role that keystone species play is out of proportion to it's size

Biodiversity Hotspots

  • These are areas with high biodiversity
  • Hotspots are at greater risk of being destroyed due to natural and human activities
  • The majority of biodiversity hotspots are near the equator

Benefits of Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity helps provide food resources
  • Biodiversity provides the raw materials for medicines
  • Anticancer alkaloids and conotoxins are derived from biodiversity
  • Ecosystem sustainability is aided by biodiversity
  • Biological communities with high diversity withstand environmental stress better
  • High biodiversity allows for faster recovery from stresses
  • Aesthetic and existence values are derived from biodiversity
  • Activities like recreation stem from biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity (HIPPO)

  • Habitat destruction is a major threat to biodiversity
  • Common reasons for it is converting forests to farmland or human settlement
  • Habitat fragmentation divides large habitats into small segments
  • Invasive species threaten biodiversity by being alien, exotic, non-native, and nonindigenous
  • Janitor fish, water hyacinth, cane toads, and mahogany are examples of invasive species
  • Pollution is another major threat, with pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals as key examples
  • Population growth competes with space and resources
  • Expanding agriculture and urbanization are driven by population growth
  • Overharvesting involves taking more individuals than reproduction can replace
  • Collection for medicinal and pet trades is a form of overharvesting

Final Remarks

  • Protecting biodiversity by conserving is an integral part of sustainable development

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