3.1.1 Biodiversity Flashcards
Define Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the full range different living things in a particular area or region. Described by a range of species, genetic diversity or ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is vital in the long-term stability thus, more diverse ecosystems are more adaptable to change in the environment.
What is species diversity
The number of different species present in a particular habitat and their evenness
- Invertebrates are predominant and vital in ecosystems
- they rely on each other (foodchain)
What geographical factors impact biodiversity?
- water currents - salinity - topographic - shelter * if unsure about how these factors impact species + biodiversity refer to notes/ speak to Maisy*
Define symbiosis
When two organisms from different species have a long-term relationship at least one will benefit
What is the difference between a spatial and temporal scale and diversity
Spatial refers to the area it covers whereas temporal is the time period studied
Does species richness mean
Tally of the number of different species in an area. doesn’t take into account how many of each species are present in an area. Usually area is divided in quadrants for sampling.
What is percentage coverage
Relative abundance based on the amount of space the species takes up (Low accuracy)
What does percentage frequency mean
Probability that a species will be found in a quadrat
What is genetic diversity
Number of different alleles a species possesses. Allele refers to the variant of a gene. These determine the characteristics of an organism
The more genitically diverse a species is, the more resilient they are to the invironment
What is ecosystem diversity
Ecosystem composes of all biotic and abiotic factors in an area.
What are the five measures of biodiversity
- Species richness 2. Species evenness 3. Simpsons diversity index 4. Percentage coverage 5. Percentage frequency
What are the different type of biotic organisms
- Produces/ autotrophs (form organic compounds from single inorganic molecules)
- Consumers/heterotrophs (Feed on other living organisms either primary (eat plants) or secondary (eat animals))
- Decomposers (organisms that use of dead organisms Allwaste)
- Detritivores (organisms that feed on dead or decaying organisms)
What are the different types of symbiosis
- Mutualism (both species benefit)
- Commensalism (one benefits, one is unphased)
- Amensalism (one inhibits another)
- Parasite (one benefits, other is harmed
What climate factors affect biodiversity?
- temperature -water availability - radiant energy - humidity - water and air currents * if unsure about how these factors impact biodiversity refer to notes/ speak to Maisy*
How can edaphic (soil) impact biodiversity?
-pH -water retention -chemical composition -soil types * if unsure about how these factors impact biodiversity refer to notes/ speak to Maisy*
What is the Simpsons Diversity Index (Formula + Explanation)
Measure of diversity that takes into account species richness and evenness.
Diversity Index determines= probability that two individuals will belong to the same species, thus lower the number the higher the diversity Simpsons Simpsons Diversity Index determines= probability that two individuals randomly selected will belong to different species, thus the larger the number the higher the diversity
n= no. of individuals of one species
N= total no. of individuals across all species
*(If you need practice ask Maisy for worksheets)*
What is Species Evenness (Formula + Explanation)
Measure of the number of individuals of that particular species in relation to the number of individuals of all species in the area.
*If all species are equally abundant then E=1, a dominating species environment E= close to 0
n= no. of individuals of one species
N= total no. of individuals across all species
S= total no. of species
ln= natural log
*(If you need practice ask Maisy for worksheets)*
What are the different tidal zones and their conditions
Understand what it means to have low species diversity
- few successful species in the habitat
- stressful environment, only few ecological roles with only few organisms well adapted to their environment
- food webs are simple
- change in the environment= serious effects/ environment could collapse
Understand what it means to have high species diversity
- great number of successful species
- stable + less hostile ecosystem
- more ecological roles available
- complex food webs
- change in evironment= not serious effects
What are the different ways species interact?
- Predetation (predator kills prey for food)
- Interspecific competition (members of different species attempt to acquire the same limited resource
- Intraspecific competition (same species compete for the same resource)
- symbiosis (2 or more species living together to survive)
What is one example of an interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring
*ik this is random but it is subject matter*
A mule
How do environment factors limit the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem?
Both physical (temperature, rainfall, limited resources) and biotic (predators, competitors) factors
