1.1 Importance of Biodiversity Flashcards
Biodiversity has three levels.
(a) List the three levels
Genetic diversity, Species diversity and Ecosystem diversity
Genetic Diversity and Importance
sum of all forms of genes present in a particular species
-allows populations to ADAPT to changes in environmental conditions and evolve over time
-helps ensure the survival of a species (avoids monoculture, protects against disease/pathogens)
Species Diversity and Importance
variety of species + relative abundance of the species in an area
-allows ecosystems to SURVIVE environmental changes (drought, plague & disease outbreaks)
-each species contributes to the whole ecosystem and helps the ecosystem to be successful
Why is high species diversity important?
Helps maintain ecosystems
-e.g. predators have prey to eat
Helps maintain ecosystem functions
-e.g. different species of wetland plants help filter water, prevent shoreline erosion & provide habitats for fish
Ecosystem Diversity and Importance
refers to a diverse range of habitats, the various organisms that live in the habitats, and the relationships that connect them
-biotic and abiotic components
-e.g. forest contains many different types of ecosystems within it
-helps species to THRIVE
Why is high ecosystem diversity important?
High ecosystem diversity= High species diversity
-diverse habitats can support more species
Why is high species diversity important in ecosystems?
High species diversity= stronger ecosystems
-ecosystems can withstand disturbances better (e.g. forest fires, drought)
Ecosystem Diversity
-different types of ecosystems within a given area
-biotic and abiotic components
-forest may contain many different types of
ecosystems within it:
Ex. Forest Floor Shrub Layer
Leaf Litter Canopy
Spring Fed Pond
Pollinators
-Insects, Birds, Bats
-Increase plant genetic biodiversity
-fruits/vegetables
(Bees pollinate around 1/3 of all fruits/vegetables we eat!)
Products we get from biodiversity
-Aspirin from willow, Antibiotics from fungi, Anti-cancer drugs from many plants i.e. Rosy periwinkle)
-Rubber, waxes, oils
Ecosystem services
-Ecosystems filter water, cycle nutrients, clean the
air, prevent flooding, and prevent erosion
-Ecosystems also help modify climate
When scientists or farmers selectively breed
an organism for certain traits, which type of
biodiversity are they manipulating?
Genetic Diversity
Products are often developed from living
organisms.
(a) List three such products.
(b) Identify the organism each was developed
from.
yeasts
-produces bread, wine, beer, and milk products
cattle fat (tallow)
-used in wax paper, crayons, margarine, paints
sheep wool
-shirts, socks, yarn
Name four natural services that ecosystems
provide for the biosphere
-cycle carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.
-clean air, purify water, control erosion, prevent floods, and modify climate
How might the loss of biodiversity negatively
affect humans?
no bees–> decrease in meats,eggs,vegetables,fruits
no trees–> no clean air, no wood
loss of potential medicines, foods, and products
Why is the use of pesticides considered a
dilemma for farmers?
kills honeybees which pollinates their crops
Today, the fishing industry locates fish with
satellites, spotter airplanes, and sonar systems
that detect objects underwater. What
impact do you think this fishing equipment
might have on the diversity of marine species?
-this equipment kills aquatic animals, so it will reduce the diversity of marine species and cause them to reduce in population size
