Biodiveristy Flashcards
What is Biodiversity
The variety of life in a particular habitat; this includes species, genetic or ecosystem diversity.
What are the two components of species diversity?
Species richness (number of species) and Species evenness (how evenly species are distributed)
Why is species diversity important?
It helps maintain ecosystem stability, resilience, and adaptability to environmental changes.
How does one get “Higher Biodiversity”
The more species present and the more evenly they are distributed.
Do all individuals of a species have the same genes and alleles?
They have the same genes but not the same alleles.
Why do populations of the same species have genetic differences?
Due to natural selection, mutations and adaptation to different environments.
Why is genetic diversity within a population important?
It increases survival chances against diseases and environmental changes.
Species Diversity
What two key questions help assess species diversity in a habitat?
1) How many individuals of each species are present (Abundance)
2) How are species distributed in an area (Distribution)
What are two common sampling methods in biodiversity studies?
Quadrant sampling (measuring species in a small area) and random sampling (Prevent bias)
Why must sampling be random?
To avoid bias and ensure accurate representation of the ecosystem.
What is Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D) used for?
To measure biodiversity by considering species richness and evenness.
What are some natural disruptions to ecosystems?
Natural disasters (wildfires, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions), climate shifts, and disease outbreaks.
How do human activities disrupt ecosystems?
Deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and introduction of invasive species.
What is biomagnification?
The increasing concentration of toxic substances as they move up the food chain.
What happens to biodiversity when ecosystems are disrupted?
Biodiversity often decreases, leading to loss of ecosystem stability and function.
How does climate change impact ecosystems?
Alters temperature, precipitation, and sea levels, affecting species distribution and survival.
What is eutrophication?
The excessive growth of algae in water due to increased nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus).
What causes eutrophication?
Agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial pollution introducing excess nutrients into water.
What is the effect of eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems?
Leads to oxygen depletion (hypoxia), causing fish kills and loss of biodiversity.
What is an algal bloom?
A rapid increase in algae due to excess nutrients, often leading to oxygen depletion in water.
How can eutrophication be prevented?
Reducing fertilizer use, improving wastewater treatment, and controlling runoff from farms and urban areas.
What is ecological succession?
The gradual process of change in species composition in an ecosystem over time.
What is primary succession?
The development of an ecosystem in an area where no previous life existed, such as after a volcanic eruption.
What is secondary succession?
The recovery of an ecosystem after a disturbance, such as a wildfire or hurricane, where soil remains.
