18 Classification, Biodiversity and Conservation

Question 1

Define the term species

Answer 1

1 Organisms that share similar morphological and behavioural features
2 that can interbreed to form fertile offsprings
3 Ecologically, they occupy the same niche
4 while be reproductively isolated

Question 2

State the three domains

Answer 2

Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya

Question 3

Outline how an ecological survey can be carried out to estimate biodiversity in a habitat

Answer 3

1 Use random sampling
2 Repeat and find mean
3 Frame Quadrats to measure stationary organisms
4 Mark-release-recapture for animals
5 Animals must be marked in a weather-proof and no-toxic way
6 Use Simpson’s Index of Biodiversity
7 Estimate percentage cover of species/species density
8 Use transects to measure along an uneven terrain/gradient

Question 4

Explain why populations or species can become extinct

Answer 4

1 Climate change/global warming
2 Competition for food with other animals
3 Hunting
4 Food web destroyed thus causing disruption in multiple populations
5 Loss of habitats

Question 5

Outline the reasons to maintain biodiversity

Answer 5

1 Sources of food
2 Sources of medicine
3 Wood/fibres/rubber
4 Gene diversity for future use
5 For development in research
6 Maintain stability of food webs
7 Climate stability

Question 6

Outline the role of IUCN

Answer 6

1 Maintains the Red List of
2 Endangered species
3 Spreads awareness
4 Provides a global forum for sharing expertise
5 Provides advice about conservation issues

Question 7

Describe the procedure of embryo transfer

Answer 7

1 Produce embryos using IVF/mating
2 Remove embryos
3 Select healthy embryos
4 May freeze embryo for later use
5 Implant embryos in uterus of another female

Question 8

Explain the role of CITES

Answer 8

1 Trade ban for endangered species
2 Border controls and checks
3 If species not at risk of extinction permit required
4 Provides countries with list of endangered species
5.Encourages governments to join CITES and follow CITES regulations

Question 9

Outline the role of zoos in conservation

Answer 9

1 Captive breeding programmes
2 Assisted Reproduction - IVF/Embryo transfer
3 Regular medical care
4 Reintroduce animals,after recovery,into the wild
5 Public awareness
6 Research

Question 10

Explain reasons for controlling alien species

Answer 10

1 Might be invasive
2 May lack predators (for animal aliens)
3 May lack herbivores (for plant aliens)
4 May compete with local species
5 May decrease biodiversity
6 May introduce diseases
7 May have an effect on the food web

Question 11

Describe the process of IVF

Answer 11

1 Female given FSH
2 Causes super ovulation
3 Oocytes harvested
4 Using a fine sterilised needle
5 Semen added to oocytes
6 Cultured until blastocyst stage
7 Embryo placed in uterus

Question 12

Outline the role of seed banks

Answer 12

1 Large variety
2 Long term storage
3 Freezed at extreme temperatures to prevent germination
4 Used to maintain biodiversity
5 Restocked regularly
6 Ensures gene pool safety at times of environmental disasters in the future