1.1 Biodiversity Flashcards
Define Biodiversity
Refers to how much variety of life there is within a set ecosystem
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a biological community living within a region with particular physical surroundings.
Explain the difference between Biotic and Abiotic factors and provide examples of each?
Biotic Factors relate to living organisms that affect an ecosystem. E.g Humans, plants, bacteria, diseases, predation
Abiotic Factors relate to physical conditions that are non-living which affect and influence organisms and ecosystems. E.g Climate, Sunlight, Humidity, Shelter, Poplluants
Explain the concept of Species Richness?
Measurement of the number of different species within an ecosystem.
Note It does not take into account the populations of each species, or how even/uneven the populations are compared to each other
Explain species evenness?
Species evenness is the measurement that refers to how common or uncommon a species is relative to its surroundings.
Explain Symbiosis and provide an example of a species that uses this relationship?
- Symbiosis refers to mutually beneficial relationships between organisms.
- The relationship between an anemone and a clownfish is an example of two organisms benefiting the other; the anemone provides the clownfish with protection and shelter, while the clownfish provides the anemone nutrients in the form of waste while also scaring off potential predator fish.
Define substrate and provide a excample
Refers to the surface or substance where organisms live
What is the competition?
Competiton in the fight for the limited resources within the ecosystem
Define substrate
Refers to the surface or substance where organisms live
Define a phenotype?
Set of observable heritable trait characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype (genetic material) with the environment.
