7.5 Flashcards
How does climate change due to global warming affect organisms?
Changes in Earth’s climate impact the survival of organisms, as all living things depend on the stability of their habitats. Climate change affects some species more than others.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the total variety of living things on Earth, including their genes and the ecosystems in which they live.
What is genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity refers to the variation within the genes, which are made up of DNA.
What is the impact of limited genetic diversity in a population?
Limited genetic diversity reduces the chance of offspring surviving environmental changes, such as shifts in climate, habitat availability, or resources. This can lead to species extinction.
What is ecological diversity?
Ecological diversity refers to the diversity within ecosystems.
How can the extinction of a species affect an ecosystem?
The extinction of a species can impact the survival of other species within its food web, potentially threatening their survival if other species cannot fill its role without negative effects.
How does biodiversity impact the resilience of ecosystems?
Increased biodiversity can reduce the consequences of losing a species, while reduced biodiversity may lead to further extinctions within the ecosystem.
What do many scientists believe about current biodiversity loss?
Many scientists believe we are experiencing the sixth mass extinction.
What caused the five previous mass extinctions?
The previous five mass extinctions occurred due to global climate change.
