3.3 Biodiversity Flashcards
Define species diversity
The number of species and the number of individuals of each species within any one community
Define genetic diversity
Number of different alleles within a gene pool
Define ecosystem diversity
Range of different habitats within a particular area
What are the two main ways that species diversity is measured
1-Species richness
2-Relative abundance
Define species richness
Number of different species within an area
Define relative abundance
The number of individuals per species
What is endemism
When a species is unique to a single place
What formula would you use to measure biodiversity
N(N-1)/∑n(n-1)
Define a gene pool
All the genes within a population
Define ecosystem services
Services which are provided by the environment that are of benefit to people
What are some ethical reasons for maintaining biodiversity
1-Destroying natural resources is unethical as it prevents the opportunity for future generations to use these renewable resources
2-Human activities have the potential to cause mass extinctions through climate change and this s regarded as unethical.
What are economic reasons for preserving biodiversity
Provisioning
Regulating
Supporting
Cultural
Describe provisioning
Ecosystems may provide us with provisions such as fuel, building materials, fibres for clothing. Therefore meaning a higher biodiversity provides a larger potential of these services being provided.
Describe regulating
Ecosystem processes help regulate our environment such as water purification, waste management.
Describe supporting
High biodiversity ecosystems provide support for other ecosystems we need. For eg, soil formation and nutrient cycling are essential for growing crops
Describe cultural services
A biodiverse and healthy ecosystem can often attract a
What is meant by conservation
Protecting and keeping a living and changing environment
Describe ex-situ conservation
Ex-situ is the conservation of components of biodiversity outside of their habitats
How is ex-situ conservation achieved ?
SEED banks and captive breeding programs provided by zoos.
What are the issues with seed banks?
Some plant seeds are too large for seed banks and they must be stored in field gene banks which take alot longer to grow and take alot of space.
What is captive breeding
Individuals are bred in zoos with the aim they can be reintroduced into the wild to restore populations
What are some issues with captive breeding
1-Having space and sufficient resources for all endangered species
2-Animals may not adjust to environment in the wild after being bred in captivity.
What is meant by niche
The role of a species within a ecosystem
Why are seed banks beneficial
-Takes up less space
-Higher biodiversity due to large amount of seeds
-Can be preserved for a long amount of time
How are breeding programs at zoos are designed to reduce the risk of inbreeding
-Selection of unrelated / genetically different mates
-Use of studbooks to keep record of mating
-Exchange of animals between zoos
-Exchange of gametes between zoos
