1.0 Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
The variations and differences of the multiple forms of life which exist upon the planet Earth.
What are the levels of biodiversity?
- Genetic diversity
- Species diversity
- Ecosystem diversity
Define genetic diversity.
The diversity that exists within a particular kind of plant, animal, or other organism.
Define species diversity.
The diversity that exists among and between the many different kinds of living organisms.
Define ecosystem diversity.
The diversity of biological communities or groups of species and the complex interdependencies that occur among them.
Why is biodiversity important?
- 57% of the 150 most prescribed drugs in the U.S. have origins in biodiversity
- Ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, water purification, nutrient cycling, and pest control
- 30% of human crops depend on pollinator services
- Contributes to ecosystem stability
What example demonstrates the importance of biodiversity?
The Horseshoe Crab, with at least 153 ‘new’ species identified in 2023.
How is biodiversity distributed on Earth?
There is a latitudinal biodiversity gradient, with tropical latitudes containing the highest species diversity.
Which terrestrial environments have the highest species diversity?
Forests located in the tropical latitudes.
What percentage of all known species do beetles represent?
25% of all known species.
What are some hypotheses explaining why species diversity is greatest in the tropics?
- Longer evolutionary time for species diversification
- Higher rates of speciation in the tropics
- Constant and predictable environments promote niche specialization
- More solar energy supports abundant plant matter
True or False: Temperate regions encountered frequent glaciations in the past.
True.
Fill in the blank: The hypothesis that tropical regions have a longer evolutionary time for species diversification is due to _____ from dramatic climatic changes.
extinction
What is a potential explanation for differences in species numbers between tropical and temperate regions?
Higher rates of speciation in the tropics compared to temperate regions.
What role does solar energy play in tropical biodiversity?
More solar energy is available, contributing to more abundant plant matter that can support more species.
What must one understand to explain global patterns of species diversity?
How species form.
