Biodiversity Flashcards
Species
A group of individual organisms with the same morphology and physiology whose members are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Habitat
Where an organism lives
Biodiversity
The variety of life the range of living organisms that can be found
How can biodiversity be seen on 3 different levels
Range of habitats in which different species live
Difference between species
Genetic variation in the same species
Why is the estimate of global biodiversity only an estimate
We can’t be sure we have found ALL the species on earth
Some species are endangered, becoming extinct
New species are found all the time
Evolution and SPECIATION ARE continiung
WHy do we share so many of our genes with plants
We have the same fundamental biochemistry
same genes that code for particular proteins- codes are held in DNA
Random sampling
Studying of a small part of the habitat
Assuming that it is CONTAINS A REPRESENTATIVE set of species
can be APPLIED the the WHOLE HABITAT
Sample sites MUST be chosen at RANDOM
3 ways to select where your samples should be situated
Random number generator from computer- plot coordinates
Samples at regular distances across the habitat
Select coordinates from a map - portable positioning global satelite- exact position
3 things the number of samples depends on
Size
time allocated
diversity- has to be an accurate representation of the diversity
What are the issues with sampling for plants
SOme plants are easy to miss- have to carry a visual survey- this is qualitiative data
Can’t be used for statistical analysis
What is a quadrat
a A square frame used to define the size of a sample area
How to carry out a random sample
random samples using a quadrat
measure of % cover
Record
The number of quadrats depend on size and diversity in habitat
Methods to measure abundance
ACFOR scare
estimate % cover
Use a point frame- (needles)
Record any plants touching the needles- 10 needles used 10 times- 100 readings, so each plant touching = 1%
What is a transect and how is it used
A line across the habitat
Record the plants touching hte line at set intevals
or
A belt transect
where quadrats are placed at regular intervals
Why do samples need to be random
So it can be representative- easy to be distracted distracted by something that looks more interesting- lead to misrepresetating frequency