Biodiversity Flashcards
what is biodiversity?
the variety of living organisms in an area
state the difference between habitat, species and genetic biodiversity
habitat- range of different habitats
species- number of species in a community
genetic- variety of alleles within a species
what are examples of habitat, species and genetic diversity?
habitat- sand dunes, woodland, meadows, streams
species- species richness and evenness
genetic- different breeds within a species
what is the difference between species richness and evenness?
richness- number of species in a habitat
evenness- relative abundance of species
what are the different types of sampling?
random
(non-random) opportunistic
stratified
systematic
what is the strength and weakness of random sampling?
s- data is not biased
w- species with low presence will be missed leading to an underestimate of biodiversity
what is the strength and weakness of opportunistic sampling?
s- easy and quick
w- data may be biased
what is the strength and weakness of stratified sampling?
s- no species is underrepresented
w- overrepresentation in some areas
what is the strength and weakness of systematic sampling?
s- simple and no bias
w- underepresentation of species that dont touch the line
why is it important to sample?
quicker than using the entire population
how to sample using random sampling?
- random number generator to get your points
- quadrats placed at the random points on the ground and the organisms within the grids are recorded
- calculate % abundance
how to use a line transect?
- lay out a measuring tape in a straight line across the sample area
- at equal distances along the tape, record organisms that touch the line.
how to use a belt transect?
- place quadrats at regular intervals along the tape
- record the abundance or percentage cover
what are factors that affect biodiversity?
human population growth
agriculture
climate change
how does human population affect biodiversity?
burning of fossil fuels
building houses damages habitats
deforestation
all this reduces habitat biodiversity
how does agriculture affect biodiversity?
monoculture (farming of one specific type of crop)
not all species are adapted to certain conditions so will die
Fertilisers, kill wild/native plants also reducing genetic diversity
how does climate change affect biodiversity?
certain animals are suited for certain climates
if its too hot or too cold, species are forced to migrate,
if the change is too fast or they are unable to migrate,
it leads to extinction,
which affects species biodiversity
what are reasons to maintaining biodiversity?
ecological
economical
aesthetic
why is the ecological reason for maintaining biodiversity?
A more diverse ecosystem is better able to survive and adapt to environmental changes or threats
what is the aesthetic reason for maintaining biodiversity?
Humans find great joy and pleasure in the beauty of nature
what is the economic reason for maintaining biodiversity?
medicines used today have originated from plants, fungi and bacteria
what is the difference between ex situ and in situ conservation?
conservation carried out in the natural habitat
conservation outside the natural habitat is known
give examples of in situ conservation
National parks and marine conservation sites
give examples of ex situ conservation
Zoos and botanic gardens
