BIODIVERSITY Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of biodiversity
A
- The variety of living organisms
- It can be measured in terms of species diversity, habitat diversity and genetic diversity
2
Q
Difference between species richness and species evenness
A
- Species richness is the number of species in an area
- Species evenness is whether the species have similar numbers
3
Q
What are the different types of sampling?
A
- Random = no particular system, however aim is still to be representative
- Opportunistic = those that are encountered first are chosen
- Stratified = populations are divided into smaller groups based on a characteristics, then sampled
- Systematic = follows a particular pattern
4
Q
Why is sampling important?
A
- We cannot study the whole population as it is impractical
- Using a representative sample instead allows us to investigate the population easily
5
Q
How is Simpson’s Index of Diversity used?
A
- A measurement of the total number of organisms compared to the total number of organisms of each species
- A high index of diversity means several different species are equally abundant, whereas a low index means 1 or 2 species dominate over others
6
Q
How can we assess genetic diversity?
A
Proportion of polymorphic gene loci = number of polymorphic gene loci/total number of loci
7
Q
Factors that affect biodiversity
A
- Population growth
- Deforestation
- Climate change affecting
habitats
8
Q
Reasons to maintain biodiversity
A
- Ecological = protecting species,
maintaining resources - Economic = reducing soil
depletion - Aesthetic = protecting
landscapes
9
Q
Define conservation
A
- The protection and management of species and habitats, in order to maintain biodiversity.
- Can be in-situ or ex-situ
10
Q
Examples of in-situ conservation
A
- Marine conservation zones
- Wildlife reserves
11
Q
Examples of ex-situ conservation
A
- Seed banks
- Botanic gardens
- Zoos
12
Q
A
