4.1.2 BIODIVERSITY Flashcards
Define Ecology
The science concerned with the interactions of living organisms with each other and their surroundings.
Define Biome
Large scale community of organisms shaped by environmental conditions.
Define Population
The number of a particular species in a given space.
Define Community
A group of interdependent organisms interacting by with each other in the same habitat.
Define Species
Organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Define Environment
External conditions with which an organism interacts.
Define Biodiversity
The variety and complexity of plant, animal and other organism life in a particular habitat. An impact indicator in the study of habitats.
Define Habitat
An area providing food, water and shelter for a particular organism.
At what 3 levels can biodiversity be considered?
- species
- habitat
- genetic
What is key about species survival?
Not being strong but responsive to change
What factors affect biodiversity?
- Human population growth
- Monoculture (intensive farming)
- Climate Change
- overfishing
- deforestation
Why is biodiversity important?
- interdependence
- increased genetic varitation
- richness / evenness
- Ecological
- Economic
- Aesthetic
- Ethical
- Cultural
- Recreational
- Scientific
Why does genetic diversity increase?
- mutations
- interbreeding between populations
Sampling
Simpsons index
