Biodiversity Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
True or False: Biodiversity only includes the variety of species.
False
What are the three levels of biodiversity?
Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Fill in the blank: The loss of biodiversity can lead to ________ in ecosystems.
instability
What is genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genetic makeup among individuals within a species.
What is species diversity?
Species diversity is the number of different species and the abundance of each species in a given area.
What does ecosystem diversity refer to?
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a particular region.
True or False: Biodiversity is important for ecosystem services.
True
What is the main threat to biodiversity?
Habitat destruction is the main threat to biodiversity.
What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?
Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance.
Name one benefit of biodiversity.
Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience and stability.
Fill in the blank: Biodiversity hotspots are regions that are both rich in ________ and threatened by ________.
biodiversity; habitat loss
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a non-native species that spreads widely and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
True or False: Climate change does not affect biodiversity.
False
What is the purpose of conservation biology?
Conservation biology aims to protect and manage biodiversity and natural resources.
What is a biodiversity index?
A biodiversity index is a measure that quantifies the diversity of species in a given area.
What does the term ‘endemic species’ mean?
Endemic species are species that are native to a specific geographic area and are not found elsewhere.
What is the impact of pollution on biodiversity?
Pollution can lead to habitat degradation and loss of species.
Fill in the blank: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted in ________.
1992
What is the significance of protected areas?
Protected areas are crucial for conserving biodiversity and providing habitats for endangered species.
What is biophilia?
Biophilia is the inherent human inclination to affiliate with nature and other forms of life.
True or False: Biodiversity can contribute to economic development.
True
What is the role of pollinators in biodiversity?
Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, which supports ecosystem diversity.
What does ‘sustainable development’ mean in relation to biodiversity?
Sustainable development means using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
What is habitat fragmentation?
Habitat fragmentation is the process where large habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches.
Fill in the blank: The IUCN Red List assesses the ________ of species.
conservation status
What is the difference between extinction and extirpation?
Extinction refers to the complete disappearance of a species, while extirpation refers to the extinction of a species in a specific area.
What is a biodiversity corridor?
A biodiversity corridor is a protected area that connects fragmented habitats, allowing species to migrate and disperse.
What role do trees play in maintaining biodiversity?
Trees provide habitat, food, and resources for a variety of species.
True or False: Biodiversity can enhance food security.
True
What is an ecosystem service?
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation.
What is the concept of ‘carrying capacity’?
Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
Fill in the blank: Biodiversity contributes to ________ by improving ecosystem functions.
ecosystem productivity
What is the main objective of the Endangered Species Act?
The main objective is to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
True or False: All ecosystems have the same level of biodiversity.
False
What does ‘biological invasion’ refer to?
Biological invasion refers to the introduction and establishment of non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems.
What is the role of zoos in biodiversity conservation?
Zoos contribute to biodiversity conservation through breeding programs, education, and research.
Fill in the blank: The term ________ refers to the variety of ecosystems within a geographical area.
ecosystem diversity
What is the significance of the Amazon rainforest in terms of biodiversity?
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to numerous species of plants and animals.
What is a ‘biodiversity offset’?
A biodiversity offset is a conservation action intended to compensate for the residual, unavoidable harm to biodiversity.
True or False: Biodiversity can be measured using species richness and evenness.
True
What is the function of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)?
The WWF works to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
What does ‘conservation genetics’ study?
Conservation genetics studies the genetic diversity of species and populations to inform conservation efforts.
Fill in the blank: The term ________ refers to species that are at risk of extinction.
endangered species
What is the importance of wetlands for biodiversity?
Wetlands provide critical habitat for numerous species and act as natural water filters.
What does ‘ecological footprint’ measure?
The ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of a person or community in terms of land and water use.
True or False: Biodiversity is static and does not change over time.
False
What is the role of citizen science in biodiversity research?
Citizen science involves public participation in data collection and monitoring to support biodiversity research.
What is ‘biomagnification’?
Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of toxins increases as it moves up the food chain.
Fill in the blank: ________ species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.
Keystone
What is the relationship between biodiversity and climate resilience?
Higher biodiversity can enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change impacts.
What are ‘ecosystem engineers’?
Ecosystem engineers are species that significantly modify their environment, thereby creating or maintaining habitat for other species.
True or False: Biodiversity contributes to cultural and aesthetic values.
True
What is the primary goal of ecological restoration?
The primary goal is to return degraded ecosystems to a stable, healthy state.
What is the concept of ‘sustainable agriculture’ in relation to biodiversity?
Sustainable agriculture practices aim to maintain biodiversity while producing food and resources.
Fill in the blank: The loss of biodiversity can increase the risk of ________ diseases.
emerging
What is the purpose of biodiversity conservation strategies?
To protect, manage, and restore biodiversity and ecosystems.
What is a ‘threatened species’?
A threatened species is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
What is the significance of traditional ecological knowledge?
Traditional ecological knowledge offers valuable insights into sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation.
True or False: Biodiversity loss can have economic consequences.
True
What is a ‘biological reserve’?
A biological reserve is a protected area designated for the conservation of biodiversity.
What is the impact of overfishing on biodiversity?
Overfishing can lead to the depletion of fish populations and disrupt marine ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: The concept of ________ refers to the interconnectedness of species and their environments.
ecological networks
What is ‘biodiversity conservation’?
Biodiversity conservation is the practice of protecting and managing biodiversity to prevent species extinction and habitat loss.
What is the role of international agreements in biodiversity protection?
International agreements aim to create frameworks for the cooperative conservation of biodiversity across borders.
True or False: Urbanization has no impact on biodiversity.
False
What is ‘land-use change’?
Land-use change refers to the alteration of land for agricultural, urban, or other human uses, impacting biodiversity.
What is an example of a biodiversity-friendly practice?
Agroforestry is an example of a biodiversity-friendly practice that integrates trees with crops.
Fill in the blank: The term ________ refers to the study of interactions among organisms and their environment.
ecology
What is the significance of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity?
It aims to promote actions to restore and protect biodiversity globally.
What is ‘wildlife trafficking’?
Wildlife trafficking refers to the illegal trade of animals and plants, threatening biodiversity.
True or False: Biodiversity is irrelevant to human health.
False
What is ‘biological conservation’?
Biological conservation is the practice of protecting and managing biological diversity.
Fill in the blank: The term ________ refers to the introduction of species to areas where they do not naturally occur.
alien species
What is the role of environmental education in promoting biodiversity?
Environmental education raises awareness and fosters stewardship for biodiversity conservation.
