4.2.1 Biodiversity

Question 1

Explain the difference between species diversity and genetic diversity

Answer 1

SD- number of species and the number of individuals of each species with a specified area
GD- looks at the range of genes within the individuals of the population of a species

Question 2

Explain the difference between habitat diversity and species diversity

Answer 2

HD refers to the range of different habitats, SD deals with the number of species and number of individuals of each species within a specified area

Question 3

Describe random sampling and state one advantage of this method to measure biodiversity in a habitat

Answer 3

Measures BD at randomly selected points within an area
May use random number generators amd cordinates to chose places
Adv. no areas are chosen with bias

Question 4

Provide an example of a habitat where systematic sampling would be advatngeous in measuring biodiversity

Answer 4

Habitat where there is some sort of gradient along the habiat in terms of species or life present
E.g the increase of grass from the shoreline to the sand dunes and forest

Question 5

Describe how % cover could be calculated for species of flower in a field

Answer 5

Divided up into a grid, samples are taken from random cordinates
Quadrat is placed at each sample point and % covee of that species estimated using grids or needle points

Question 6

Explain why it is more appropaite to use quadrats to calculate biodiversity of a small flower species as opposed to oak trees

Answer 6

Quadrats are useful for smaller plants as the frames are smaller in size

Question 7

Describe 2 ways insects can be collected safely for sampling

Answer 7

Sweep nettings can be used

Tullgren funnel

Question 8

Define both species richness and eveness

Answer 8

SR-number of different species within a given habitat or area
SE- relative abundance of each species within a given habitat or area

Question 9

Explain whether species richness or eveness is more useful in detrming biodiversity of a forest

Answer 9

SR indicates how many species are present but does not indicate how abundant they are. SE more helpful in showing how populated the species are, more even abundance indicates a greater biodiversity

Question 10

What is the Simpsons index

Answer 10

Calculate biodiversity,takes in account SE and SR
D= 1- (n/N)2
n- number of individual species
N- total number of individuals of all species

Question 11

Explain what is meant by the genetic diversity of a population

Answer 11

Genetic diversity is the number of different alleles of genes in a population. Greater number of alleles present in a population,more genetically diverse it is

Question 12

Explain the challenges involved with the nature of estimating the genetic diversity of a population

Answer 12

Estimated by comparing observable physical charachteristics, many are polygenic as they are coded for by more than one gene
Charachterstics can be further modified by the enviornment,difference dont arise soley due to genetics

Question 13

Define the term ‘in situ’ in reference to conservation

Answer 13

Conserving species within the habitat

Question 14

Discuss the advantages and disadvantges of in situ conservation

Answer 14

Biodiversity will be protected permenanetly, elements of natural and cultural heritage will also be protected , ecological intergrity is maintained
Dis. Potentail risk of poachers,attracting tourist,habitat fragmentation

Question 15

Discuss 2 ecological reasons for maintaing biodiversity

Answer 15

Many species are closely interlinked in the ecosystem. Damage to one area or one spcies for human gain could impact more just that factor
Increased biodiversity also provide us with more useful resources such as plants for medicine or animals for research

Question 16

State 3 financial values that ecosystem can provide for humans

Answer 16

Provides food such as crops
Fuel like timber
Freshwater can provide income 4 companies

Question 17

Describe what a keystone species is and give an example

Answer 17

Species that disproportionaly large impact on its env

Such as beavers, form large ponds

Question 18

Define the term ‘ex situ’ in reference to conservation

Answer 18

Refers to the conservation/ protection of species of their habitat

Question 19

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of zoos in conserving area

Answer 19

Alows scientist to carry out specfic research, allow gentic drift and genetic diversity to be controlled via the use of studbooks, allow endangered species to ultiamtley be reintroduced back into the wild
Dis- food sources may be inadequate,unatural behavours

Question 20

State the name of the org. CITES

Answer 20

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Question 21

State the main aims of CITES

Answer 21

Ensure that international trade of wildlife does not threaten their survival

Question 22

State the main aims of CBD

Answer 22

Conserve biological diversity

Sustain its components, appropiate shared access to genetic resources and sharing out the benefits of genetic resources