Biodiversity Flashcards
Define classification
The process of naming and organizing organisms into groups based on their phenotype, genotype and evolutionary history.
What is the species concept?
The species concept is a way of defining a species as organisms which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Can the classification of an organism change?
Yes, it may change as new information becomes available.
Name the 7 groups in the hierarchy of talons, from smallest to largest.
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Name the three domains
Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya
How was the three domain system of classification developed?
By analyzing molecular differences between organisms to determine their evolutionary relationships.
Could the prokaryotae kingdom be divided into two groups?
Yes. All other organisms are eukaryotes.
What Is bacteria?
One of the three domains. It’s ‘true’ bacteria and is also known as Eubacteria.
What is Archaea?
One of the three domains. It’s made up of primitive bacteria, also known as archaebacteria.
What is Eukarya?
One of the three domains. Consists of all eukaryotic organisms.
How are different types of evidence used in classification?
-Observations (organisms grouped based on similar physical characteristics).
-Biochemical methods (DNA genetic fingerprinting)
What is the greenhouse effect?
The increase of global temperatures caused by the trapping of solar heat by gases in the atmosphere
How might global warming affect the natural world?
Temperature, rainfall, light levels all affect survival.
Habitats may be destroyed, species may need to change their habitad or face extinction.
Give 3 ways that biodiversity is threatened by human activity
Pollution, habitat destruction, poaching and hunting.
What is deforestation?
The removal of trees from land which is then used to grow crops or provide space for cattle.
Outline the consequences of deforestation.
-Loss of biodiversity
-Climate change
-Habitat loss
-Soil erosion
-Desertification
-Lowland flooding
Define biodiversity
The number and variety of living organisms in a given region. It is affected by environmental, genetic and human factors.
What is endemism?
A term which refers to a species that is unique to a specific geographic location.
What is the heterozygosity index?
A measure of the proportion of a population which is heterozygotic.
How is the heterozygosity index calculated?
Number of heterozygotes/number of individuals in the population
What statistical technique is used to compare biodiversity in different habitats?
Simpson’s index of biodiversity.
