Basic Concepts of Biodiversity and the Scientific Method

Question 1

Define

Genetic Diversity

Answer 1

The genetic variation within a population and between populations of a single species.

Question 2

Define

Biodiversity

Answer 2

The variety of life on Earth, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms like bacteria.

Includes:
- Genetic Diversity
- Species Diversity
- Ecosystem Diversity

Question 3

Define

Population

Ecology

Answer 3

A population is a group of individuals
of the same species that live in the
same area and interbreed, producing
fertile offspring.

Extra notes:
- A species with a limited distribution may consist of a single population.
- A widely dispersed species may form
numerous populations.
- Genetic diversity within populations is crucial for evolution.

Question 4

Define

Species Diversity

Answer 4

Species diversity is the variety of species within a particular region or habitat.
- This is the most well known type of biodiversity
- Human activities, such as habitat destruction and pollution, significantly threaten species diversity, leading to
high extinction rates.

Question 5

Define

Ecosystem Diversity

Answer 5

Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different habitats within a region and their ecological interactions.
- Ecosystems are where species live, connect, and interact
- Examples of ecosystems include Alberta’s boreal forests, grasslands, wetlands, and rivers
- Human activities, like deforestation and urbanization, reduce ecosystem diversity.

Question 6

What are some benifits of biodiversity

Answer 6

1. Provisioning services (Food, raw materials)
2. Regulating Services - benifits humans beyond the raw materials (Climate regulation, water and air purification, pest control, pollination)
3. Supporting Service - Services critical to bioshere viability (Oxygen porduction, CO2 absorbtion, cycling of biomass)
4. Cultural Services - Nonmaterial benifits (recreational, aesthetic, spiritual)

Question 7

What are the two types of species loss that reduce biodiversity?

Answer 7

Extinction - when no living individuals of a species remain on Earth.

Extirpation - when a species is no longer found in a specific geographic area but still exists elsewhere.
- Extirpation is a regional loss that can sometimes be remedied through conservation and reintroduction efforts.

Question 8

Endangered vs Threatened species

Answer 8

Endangered species are facing imminent extinction

Threatened species are likely to become endangered if no action is taken.

Question 9

What are the common threats to biodiversity

Answer 9

1. Habitat Loss
2. Invasive Species
3. Overexploitation
4. Global Climate change

Question 10

Explain

Invasive Species

Answer 10

Invasive species are introduced species that harm the environment, economy, or society.
- Introduced species are those humans have accidentally or deliberately introduced into areas beyond their native range
- Without their native predators, parasites, and pathogens, introduced species may spread rapidly.

Examples:
- Brown Tree Snake (Guam)
- Zebra Muscles (Great Lakes)

Question 11

Explain

Overexploitation

Ecology

Answer 11

Overharvesting of plants and animals at unsustainable rates leads to population declines and extinctions
- Large animals with low reproductive rates are especially vulnerable to overexploitation

Examples:
- Overfishing has decimated wild fish populations, such as the Atlantic cod
- Hunting drove the most abundant bird in N. America, the passenger pigeon, to extinction in 1914

Question 12

Define

Theory

Science

Answer 12

Theories are unifying explanations of the natural world
- A scientific theory is a broad, well-supported explanation for a wide range of natural phenomena
- Scientific theories are strongly supported by extensive evidence and are widely accepted.

Question 13

Inductive Reasoning

Answer 13

From repeated observations, we can make generalizations (inductive reasoning).
- draws conclusions through the logical process of induction.
- Repeating specific observations can lead to important generalizations

(Specific → General)

While not always the prefered way of doing science, this is often the only way we can learn things in biology
- Incomplete fossil record

Question 14

Deductive Reasoning

Answer 14

Deductive reasoning is used to make specific predictions that can be used to test hypotheses
- Deductive reasoning uses general premises to make specific predictions

(general → specific)