Biodiversity

Question 1

What is biodiversity?

Answer 1

The sum total of life forms on earth.

Question 2

What are the 5 main drivers of biodiversity loss?

Answer 2

1. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation 2. Climate Change 3. Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution 4. Over exploitation and unsustainable use 5. Invasive species

Question 3

What are the three characteristics of a biodiversity hotspot?

Answer 3

• Must contain atleast 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemic. - Must have lost 70% of it original habitat

Question 4

What are the three domains of life? and what are their positions on the phylogenic tree?

Answer 4

Question 5

What is endemism?

Answer 5

Species that are only found in one geographical region.

Question 6

What is an endemic species?

Answer 6

A species that is often found in geographically isolated areas. ie. Kangaroo or Kiwi.

Question 7

What is a native species?

Answer 7

A species present in an area through natural processes.

Question 8

What is an introduced(exotic or invasive) speices?

Answer 8

A species present in an area due to human introduction.

Question 9

What is ecosystem diversity?

Answer 9

Communties of organisms and the physical environment around them (abiotic) including functionl traits (ie. nutrient and nitrogen cycling) For example the human body hosts a large number of parasites and actinobacteria.