3- biodiversity Flashcards
index of biodiversity
biodiversity
the variety of living organisms
species richness
the number of different species in a habitat
species evenness
the extent to which the population sizes of different species are uniform
the index of diversity is used to
assess biodiversity within a habitat at the species level
D = diversity index
N = total number of organisms of all species
n = total number of organisms of each species
the variety of alleles in the gene pool of a population is used
to assess biodiversity within a species at the genetic level
genetic diversity
a measure of the genetic variation in a particular species, etc the different number of alleles in a gene pool
endemism
this is the state of a species being unique to a specific geographical location, such as an island, and not found anywhere else. it is another important aspect of biodiversity
ethical reasons for the maintenance of biodiversity
- respect for life: all forms of life have intrinsic value and the right to exist, regardless of their utilitarian value to humans
- intergenerational equity: future generations have the right to inherit a diverse natural world
- cultural significance: many cultures have deep connections to local biodiversity, and its loss can erode cultural identity and heritage
economic reasons for the maintenance of biodiversity:
- provisioning services
- regulating services
- supporting services
- cultural services
economic reasons for the maintenance of biodiversity- provisioning services
- biodiversity provides essential goods like food, fibre, medicinal plants and fresh water
- eg the genetic diversity within crops and livestock species is critical for food security
economic reasons for the maintenance of biodiversity- regulating services
- ecosystems perform critical bio-physical functions such as climate regulation, disease control and pollination
- eg bees and other pollinators boost agricultural productivity by pollinating crops
economic reasons for the maintenance of biodiversity- supporting services
- ecosystems support processes we take for granted like soil formation, nutrient cycling and photosynthesis
- eg earthworms contribute to soil health by recycling nutrients
economic reasons for the maintenance of biodiversity- cultural services
- natural landscapes and biodiversity contribute to recreation, tourism, aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual and cultural inspiration
- eg national parks and wildlife reserves attract tourists, boosting local economies
examples of ex-situ conservation
- zoos
- seed banks
advantages of zoos
- species protection: zoos provide a safe environment for endangered species, protecting them from threats like habitat loss, hunting and climate change
- breeding programmes: zoos often conduct captive breeding programmes to increase population sizes of endangered species
- education and awareness: zoos play a crucial role in educating the public about biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts
advantages of seed banks
- genetic diversity preservation: seed banks store a wide variety of plant seeds to preserve genetic diversity
- future use: stores seeds can be used for reforestation efforts or to reintroduce plant species if they become extinct
- research: seed banks provide valuable resources for research, including studies on plant genetics and breeding
issues with ex-situ conservation
- limited space: zoos and seed banks have limited capacity and cannot accommodate all species or genetic diversity
- artificial environment: conditions in zoos and seed banks may not replicate those in the wild, potentially affecting the behaviour and genetic health of organisms
- reintroduction challenges: reintroduced animals or plants may struggle to survive in the wild due to lack of necessary survival skills or changes in their natural habitat
in-situ conservation example
protected habitats
advantages of protected habitats
- habitat preservation: protected areas like national parks and wildlife reserves preserve natural habitats and ecosystems in their entirety
- biodiversity maintenance: by preserving habitats, in-situ conservation helps maintain biodiversity and the natural balance of ecosystems
- research and monitoring: protected habitats provide opportunities for ecological research and long term environmental monitoring
issues with in-situ conservation
- land use conflicts: protected areas may conflict with human activities such as agriculture, logging and urban development
- management challenges: effective management of protected areas requires considerable resources and expertise, which may not be available in some regions
- climate change: global climate change may alter habitats and threaten the species that live in them, even with protected areas
