Assessment of biodiversity

Question 1

Name the levels of diversity.

Answer 1

1. Genetic div.
2. Species div.
3. Ecosystem div.

Question 2

Elaborate about Genetic div.

Answer 2

• It is the number of genetic characteristics in the genetic pool of a species.
• As it goes higher, it increases the ability of species to adapt to changing environments.
• The destruction of varieties makes it diminish.

Question 3

Elaborate about Species div.

Answer 3

• It is the variety of species within a region.
• Species div. index takes into accunt the number of species in an area and their irrelative abundance.
• More of it means more biological wealth.

Question 4

Elaborate about Ecosystem div.

Answer 4

• It is the variety of ecosystems in a particular zone.

Question 5

Explain the 3 perspectives of Ecosystem div.

Answer 5

1. Alpha div: Diversity of organisms sharin the same habitat (within community)
2. Beta div: Diversity of organisms sharing 2 habitats (between communities)
3. Gamma div: Diversity of the habitat over the total geographic area.

Question 6

What is a biodiversity assessment?

Answer 6

It s the first stage in the process of defining biodiversity
management objectives for an area.

Its purpose is to gather and assess the information required to make decisions and recommendations for the future.

Question 7

What are the steps for biodiv. assessment?

Answer 7

Measuring or surveying what exists in the area and what is known about it, judging its value and identifying the most important features.

Question 8

What components does biod. assessment take into account? (5)

Answer 8

Social, economic, cultural, aesthetic and intrinsec values.

Question 9

What is (proper) monitoring?

Answer 9

The collection and analysis of repeated observations or measurements to evaluate changes and progress toward meeting a management objective.

Question 10

The stages in setting the scope and objectives of the assessment are:

Answer 10

1. Determine the purpose of the assessment.
2. Define the limits of the area to be assessed.
3. Identify the biodiversity and management issues and priorities of the decision makers and other stakeholders.
4. Determine who may hold the information required to complete the assessment.
5. Select and agree the methods, responsibilities and work schedule.

Question 11

What is a “rapid biodiversity assessment”?

Answer 11

Important assessment technique for terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and estuarine system management, especially in areas where there is very little published or unpublished information.

Question 12

Which are the five general types of assessment?

Answer 12

1. Baseline inventory
2. Species-specific assessment
3. Change assessment
4. Indicator assessment
5. Resource assessment

Question 13

Explain “baseline inventory”

Answer 13

Focuses on overall biological diversity rather than detailed information about
specific taxa or habitats.

Question 14

Explain “Species-specific assessment”

Answer 14

Provides a rapid idea of the status of a particular species or taxonomic group in a given area.

Question 15

Explain “Change assessment”

Answer 15

Determines the effects of human activities or natural disturbances on the ecological integrity and biodiversity of an area.

Question 16

Explain “Indicator assessment”

Answer 16

Assumes that biological diversity can inform us

about water quality and overall health of particular ecosystems.

Question 17

Explain “Resource assessment”

Answer 17

Determines the potential for sustainable use of biological resources in a given area.