Biodiversity Flashcards
What is meant by the term species richness?
The number of species in an area
What is meant by the term genetic diversity?
The number of different alleles in a species
Why is it better to store seeds in seed banks than continuing to grow the plants?
Take up less space
Greater genetic diversity if many seeds are stored
Can be stored for a long time
Why are seeds in seed banks stored at low temperatures and in a dry atmosphere?
Reduces enzyme activity
Less likely to germinate
Decreases rate of decomposition/increase lifespan
What is meant by the term net primary productivity?
The rate of energy incorporated into biomass in producers
GPP -R = NPP
Why would an increase in temperature cause an increase in NPP?
Rate of metabolic/photosynthesis reactions increase
Increase in kinetic energy of substrates
Increased rate of reaction as more enzyme substrate interaction
