Biodiversity

Question 1

Genetic diversity

Answer 1

Total number of alleles in a population

Question 2

Species definition

Answer 2

The ability to produce offspring that are able to reproduce.

Question 3

Risk of low genetic variation

Answer 3

Small gene pool more susceptible to extinction due to an environmental change

Question 4

Species richness

Answer 4

Number Of different species present in an area

Question 5

Species evenness

Answer 5

The relative abundance of species in an area

Question 6

The index of diversity/ Simpsons reciprocal index

Answer 6

Formula given
Describes the relationship between number of species in community and the number of individuals in a species

High value = many niches and low competition
Low value = few niches, domination of species and competition is higher

Question 7

Hierarchy definition

Answer 7

Smaller groups within groups and are non - overlapping

Question 8

Each group in phylogenetic classification is called a

Answer 8

Taxon

Taxa (plural)

Question 9

Taxa names (use acronym)

Answer 9

Domain
Kingdom 
Phylum 
Class 
Order 
Family
Genus
Species

Question 10

How is each species universally identified by a binomial

Answer 10

Genus
Species

If handwritten must be underlined, if those must be in italics

Question 11

Can you explain how advances in immunology and genome sequencing help clarify evolutionary relationships between organisms?

Answer 11

Sequence of bases - more differences in sequence of bases likely mean farther their common ancestor is
Non - coding sequences of DNA provide the best means of comparison as more mutations will occur readily here - natural selection means that most genes in extrinsic have to be the same as a functional protein will be formed

Question 12

Domains are

Answer 12

Bacteria
Archaea
Eukarya

Question 13

Species diversity

Answer 13

Refers to the number of different species and the number of individuals of each species within any one community

Question 14

Ecosystem diversity

Answer 14

Range of habitats from a small local habitat to the whole earth

Question 15

Biodiversity definition

Answer 15

Species diversity, Genric diversity and ecosystem diversity

Question 16

Phylogenetic class system based on three things

Answer 16

Evolutionary relationships
Hierarchy - smaller groups wishing groups with no overlap
Grouped species using shared characteristics from a common ancestor

Question 17

Three ways to investigate diversity

Answer 17

Comparison of base sequences
Comparison of mRNA
Comparison of amino acids sequences

Question 18

Why is courtship behaviour a necessary precursor to successful mating? (4 reasons)

Answer 18

To recognise members of their species to produce fertile offspring
To identity a male that is capable of breeding
To form a pair bond that’ll lead to successful mating and raising of offspring
To synchronise mating so that it occurs when there’s maximum possibility of sperm and egg fusion

Question 19

Can you explain the role of courtship in species recognition?

Answer 19

Important in species recognition as meme era of a species are able to recognise each other and hence successfully reproduce so that energy is not wasted in sterile offspring that can not pass DNA to next generation and ensure SPECIES SURVIVAL

Question 20

Before genetic sequencing technology how were animals classified?

Answer 20

Based on observable characteristics and common features however these are controlled by several genes and can often be affected by the environment. Continue variation can be difficult to distinguish and categorise.

Question 21

Can you explain how farming techniques reduce biodiversity?

Answer 21

Removal of hedgerows so that more space for farming machinery - affects habitat of many organisms inside and often pollinators

Creating monocultures by replacing large meadows with one crop - on species only

Filling in ponds and wetlands - many organisms in ponds die

Overgrazing of one by sheep - prevents regeneration of woodland

Eutrophication - overuse of fertilisers to increase yield resulting in run off into streams and ponds. Forms algae on too which prevents light reaching seaweed and other organisms at the bottom

Question 22

Impact of agriculture

Answer 22

Malthus theory that population will grow exponentially and exceed linear increase of resources leading to a population crash

Question 23

Can you explain the balance between conservation and farming?

Answer 23

Prevent diminishing the variety of habitats within ecosystems and consequently reduce species diversity

Question 24

Problem of monoculture and solution

Answer 24

Land only used for one species of crop

Crop rotation - planting nitrogen fixing crop after certain crop can ensure less fertilisers are needed

Intercropping - two species of crop in one land living together, so also more organisms

Question 25

Problem of overgrazing and solution

Answer 25

Anainaks overgraze land and harm region

Use certain areas of land in certain regions

Limit cattle numbers

Question 26

Problem of overuse of pesticides and solution

Answer 26

Eutrophication - run off into water causing algae and hence damage to aquatic organisms

Biological control (lady bugs eat aphids)

Organic fertilisers

Question 27

Problem of removal of hedgerows and replacing with fencing and solution

Answer 27

Loss of organisms living in hedges to create more space for machinery

Plant conservation headlands so very little pesticides near hedges

Question 28

What is conservation?

Answer 28

Method of magazine and maintaining ecosystems & living organisms inside them by human intervention

Question 29

Reasons for conservation

Answer 29

Personal - maintain our life support system, mental well-being

Ethical - we should respect other species

Economic - ecotourism, recreation

Cultural - religious and spiritual reasons