4.1 Classification and biodiversity Flashcards
The classification taxa order
Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
What is biodiversity?
the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
What is the difference between morphological and behavioural adaptations?
Morphological adaptations are where a species physically evolves to adapt to their environment.
Behavioural adaptations are where a species changes their behaviour to match the environment.
What is the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates?
A vertebrate is a species with a vertebra (33 individual, interlocking bones that form the spinal column), whereas an invertebrate does not.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans. Without a wide range of animals, plants and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we rely on to provide us with the air we breathe and the food we eat.
What are quadrats used for?
Quadrats are used to define a sample area, in which the user can then calculate the amount of each species (biodiversity) within the specified area.
How are quadrats used?
- Randomly throw a quadrat.
- Count the different species and the number of each.
- Take a mean number of each species for each quadrat.
- Multiply up to estimate the amount in the whole area.
Name the two types of competition.
Interspecific competition (competition between individuals of two different species)
Intraspecific competition (competition between individuals of the same species)
Hint: Computer Science students - Think Internet (Global/widespread) versus Intranet (Localised)!
What resources do organisms compete for?
Animals compete for food, water, mates and a space to live.
Plants compete for Light, water, minerals and root space.
What affects population size?
Temperature, Space, Competition, Disease, Food availability and waste accumulation.
What is an alien/invasive species?
A species that originates from outside the area. If the alien species is threatening native species then this is classed as an invasive species.
What is a native species?
A species that originates from the local area.
What is the difference between Interspecific and Intraspecific competition?
Interspecific competition is competition between different species, whereas Intraspecific competition is competition between members of the same species.
Computer Science Students: Think Internet and Intranet!
