4.2.1 biodiversity

Question 1

What is biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of living organisms.

It can be measured in terms of species diversity-the number of species in a community,

habitat diversity-range of different habitats,

and genetic diversity a variety of alleles within a species

Question 2

Differentiate between species richness and species evenness

Answer 2

species richness is the number of species in an area

Species evenness is whether species have similar numbers

Question 3

Discuss different types of sampling

Answer 3

Random: no particular system, however aim is still to be representative.

Opportunistic: those that are encountered first or chosen chosen

stratified: population divided into smaller groups based on a characteristic, then sampled

Systematic: follows a particular pattern

Question 4

Why sampling important

Answer 4

We cannot study the whole population as it is impractical. Using a representative sample instead allows us to investigate the population easily

Question 5

Describe how Simpsons index of diversity is used

Answer 5

A measurement of the total number of organisms compare to the total number of organisms of each species. A high index of diversity means several different species are are are equally abundant, whereas a low index means one or two species dominate over others

Question 6

How can we assess genetic diversity

Answer 6

proportion of polymorphic gene loci = n.of polymorphic gene loci DIVIDED by total number of loci

Question 7

Give factors that affect biodiversity

Answer 7

Population growth, deforestation for agriculture, climate change affecting habitats

Question 8

Give reasons to maintain biodiversity

Answer 8

ecological: protecting species, maintaining resources.

Economic: reducing soil depletion

Aesthetic: protecting landscapes

Question 9

Define conservation

Answer 9

The protection and management of species and habitats, in order to maintain biodiversity. Can be in-situ (in an organisms habitat) or ex-situ (outside an organisms habitat)

Question 10

Give examples of in situ Conservation

Answer 10

Marine conservation zones and wildlife reserves

Question 11

Give examples of ex situ conservation

Answer 11

Seed banks: botanic Gardens: zoos

Question 12

Give some agreement made with the aim of protecting species and habitats

Answer 12

Convention on International trade in endangered species CITES

Rio Convention on biological diversity CBD

Countryside stewardship scheme CSS

Question 13

ppq: Explain the importance of sampling in measuring the biodiversity of a habitat

Answer 13

It is impossible to count every individual. The sample provides an estimate and the sample is representative of the whole area

Question 14

ppq: Why was it important to take samples in fenced and unfenced areas

Answer 14

To compare the two areas.So to see the effect

Question 15

ppq: Explain the difference between species richness and species evenness and why both measurements I needed to assess biodiversity

Answer 15

Species richness is the number of species in a habitat and species evenness is the number of individuals in a species. Both richness and evenness are needed to reveal dominance and that high biodiversity has both high species richness and high species evenness

Question 16

ppq: Outline the significance of a low value of Simpsons index of diversity

Answer 16

It means that the habitat is dominated by one species and that the habitat is less likely to cope with change

Question 17

ppq: Plans have been considered to re-introduce lynx From these European population is to the world parts of Britain to improve biodiversity. Suggest one reason why some people might object to this re-introduction

Answer 17

It would be a danger to food chains, humans, and local wildlife and the environment may no longer be suitable for lynx

Question 18

ppq: Outline three reasons why it is important to conserve the Liberian lynx

Answer 18

To control the population and they have the right to exist due to humans to care for other species also aesthetic reasons and economic reasons e.g. tourism

Question 19

ppq: Explain why it is sometimes necessary to conserve a plant species outside its natural habitat ex situ

Answer 19

if the habitat is lost due to climate change Or human activity e.g. deforestation. If the population in natural habitat is very low. In the wild reproduction is difficult if the numbers are low and breeding in ex situ can maintain the gene pool

Question 20

ppq: Give three advantages of conserving plant species has seeds and not as adult plants

Answer 20

They take up little space, easier and cheaper to transport, lower maintenance costs and can store greater genetic diversity

Question 21

ppq: Suggest three reasons why estimates are not likely to be accurate

Answer 21

there is a reason for not having found all species e.g. some habitats are in accessible, and some habitats are rare. Also organisms constantly become extinct and new species are being created. Also they might mistake Several species for one

Question 22

ppq: State three criteria that would have been considered when the environmental impact assessment was carried out

Answer 22

how big will it be

What lives there and do rare species live there

How much damage will it do and how would it affect an ecosystem

Are there potential strategies to minimise impact