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Praxis (7005) - Elem. Ed: Science > 2E1 Biodiversity and Classification > Flashcards

2E1 Biodiversity and Classification Flashcards

Learn about environmental issues, biodiversity, and taxonomy. Understand types of biodiversity and their roles in ecological balance.

1
Q

What are the major environmental problems facing today’s ecosystems?

A
  • Habitat loss and degradation
  • Climate change
  • Invasive species
  • Pollution
  • Overuse of natural resources
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2
Q

Define biodiversity.

A

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

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3
Q

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem health and stability?

A

Because it enhances ecosystem resilience and stability by providing a greater variety of species that can adapt to changes.

Ecosystems with high biodiversity have more resources and interactions among species, making them less vulnerable to environmental changes and disturbances .

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4
Q

Give an example of how high biodiversity helps ecosystems recover faster.

A

Ecosystems with high biodiversity can rebound faster from disturbances due to the presence of multiple species that can fulfill various ecological roles.

For instance, in a diverse forest, if one tree species is affected by disease, other tree species can continue to support the ecosystem.

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5
Q

What are the three types of biodiversity?

A
  • Species diversity
  • Genetic diversity
  • Ecological diversity
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6
Q

Name a characteristic of areas with high biodiversity.

A
  • Large amounts of solar energy available year-round.
  • Variable terrain.
  • Long periods of climate stability.

Tropical rainforests are prime examples of areas with high biodiversity due to their consistent climate and rich variety of habitats.

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7
Q

What is species diversity?

A

It measures the number of different species within a given area.

Species diversity can be influenced by factors such as habitat complexity and productivity.

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8
Q

Explain alpha diversity.

A

A local measure of biodiversity within a single habitat or community.

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9
Q

What is beta diversity?

A

It compares species diversity between two or more ecosystems.

Beta diversity indicates the change in species composition from one environment to another, reflecting habitat differentiation.

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10
Q

What does gamma diversity measure?

A

The total number of species across all ecosystems.

Gamma diversity provides a landscape-level perspective of biodiversity, encompassing various habitats.

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11
Q

Define genetic diversity.

A

It refers to the variety of genetic information within a species or population.

Genetic diversity is crucial for a population’s ability to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.

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12
Q

Why are populations with low genetic diversity vulnerable?

A

They are more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.

Populations with low genetic diversity, such as endangered species, have reduced evolutionary potential and increased risk of extinction.

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13
Q

What does ecological diversity measure?

A

The number of different ecosystems within a landscape.

Ecological diversity includes different types of environments like forests, deserts, wetlands, and oceans, each supporting unique communities of organisms.

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14
Q

Give an example of ecological diversity at a small scale.

A

Microclimates within a forest that vary in climatic conditions.

e.g. temperature and humidity.

Microclimates can create diverse habitats within a single forest, supporting a wide range of species.

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15
Q

How does biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

A

High biodiversity fills ecological niches, reducing vulnerability to disturbances.

Diverse ecosystems are more likely to contain species that can compensate for the loss or decline of others, maintaining ecosystem functions.

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16
Q

What happened in Yellowstone National Park when wolves were eradicated?

A

Elk populations soared, causing overgrazing and ecosystem imbalance.

The removal of a keystone species like wolves disrupted trophic interactions, demonstrating the importance of top predators in maintaining ecosystem balance.

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17
Q

Describe a stable ecosystem.

A

It maintains species evenness, density, and population sizes relatively constant.

Stability in ecosystems can be due to factors like high biodiversity, resource availability, and balanced predator-prey relationships.

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18
Q

Why are rainforests considered stable ecosystems?

A

They have high biodiversity and species redundancy.

Species redundancy means multiple species can perform similar ecological roles, ensuring ecosystem functions continue even if some species decline.

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19
Q

What threatens even highly diverse ecosystems like rainforests?

A
  • Habitat destruction
  • Overuse of resources

Deforestation, logging, and land conversion for agriculture are major threats to rainforests .

20
Q

Describe the relationship between genetic diversity and population survival.

A

Populations with higher genetic diversity are more likely to survive environmental changes.

Genetic diversity enables populations to adapt to new challenges and avoid inbreeding depression.

21
Q

Why is measuring biodiversity important at different scales?

A

It provides insights into ecosystem health from local to global levels.

Local, regional, and global biodiversity assessments help in conservation planning and understanding ecological processes.

22
Q

What is taxonomy?

A

The science that involves identifying, naming, and grouping organisms into a hierarchical structure, based on shared characteristics.

23
Q

Who is considered the father of taxonomic classification?

A

Carolus Linnaeus

He was a Swedish botanist from the 1700s.

24
Q

Define taxonomic classification.

A

It organizes species into hierarchical groups based on similarities.

The main taxonomic ranks are Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

25
Q

What does the root word “taxis” mean?

A

Order or arrangement in Greek.

The term “taxonomy” is derived from “taxis” (arrangement) and “nomia” (method).

26
Q

How are different species identified in taxonomy?

A

By using binomial nomenclature (genus and species names).

Binomial nomenclature ensures each species has a unique, universally recognized scientific name.

27
Q

What are the taxonomic levels proposed by Linnaeus?

A
  1. Kingdom
  2. Phylum
  3. Class
  4. Order
  5. Family
  6. Genus
  7. Species

These hierarchical levels help organize the diversity of life in a systematic way.

28
Q

What additional taxon was proposed above kingdom in modern taxonomy (by Carl Woese)?

A

Domain

The Domain level classifies life into three broad groups: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

29
Q

What are the three domains of life?

A
  • Archaea
  • Bacteria
  • Eukarya

The three-domain system reflects genetic differences and evolutionary relationships among major life forms.

Archaea - includes all archaea prokaryotes.
Bacteria - contains all eubacteria prokaryotes.
Eukarya - contains all plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

30
Q

Which taxon includes all eukaryotic organisms?

A

Domain Eukarya

Eukaryotes have cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

31
Q

Name the four kingdoms within Eukarya.

A
  • Plantae
  • Animalia
  • Fungi
  • Protista

These kingdoms represent major groups of eukaryotic life, each with distinct characteristics.

32
Q

What are examples of extreme environments where Archaea can be found?

A
  • Deep-sea vents
  • Icy glaciers
  • Salt flats

Archaea are extremophiles, capable of surviving in conditions that are hostile to most other life forms.

33
Q

Which phylum includes all animals with a backbone?

A

Chordata

34
Q

Name some of the classes within the phylum Chordata.

A
  • Mammalia
  • Aves
  • Reptilia
  • Amphibia
35
Q

Which order includes whales and porpoises?

A

Cetacea

Cetaceans are marine mammals known for their adaptations to life in the ocean, including streamlined bodies and echolocation abilities.

36
Q

Name the family that includes dogs and related species.

A

Canidae

37
Q

Which genus includes lions, tigers, and leopards?

A

Panthera

38
Q

What is the mnemonic for remembering the taxonomic levels?

A

“Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup”

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

39
Q

What is the largest taxon in taxonomy?

A

Domain

40
Q

What is the taxonomic level above species?

A

Genus

A genus includes one or more species that are closely related and share a common ancestor.

41
Q

How did Linnaeus originally classify organisms?

A

Based on morphological features.

Morphological features include physical characteristics like shape, size, and structure.

42
Q

Why have taxonomic categories evolved over time?

A

Due to new scientific discoveries and DNA analysis.

Advances in genetics and molecular biology have provided more accurate insights into evolutionary relationships.

43
Q

What are the characteristics of organisms in domain Archaea?

A

Prokaryotic, live in extreme environments.

44
Q

What is the purpose of taxonomy?

A

To systematically organize and classify the diversity of life on Earth.

Taxonomy helps scientists communicate about species, understand evolutionary relationships, and conserve biodiversity.

45
Q

How do scientists determine the evolutionary relationships between different species?

A

By comparing genetic sequences and other molecular data.

46
Q

What challenges arise in taxonomy due to the concept of species?

A

Variation within species and the potential for hybridization can blur species boundaries, complicating classification.

47
Q

Define the term ‘species’.

A

Consists of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Praxis (7005) - Elem. Ed: Science (36 decks)

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