Biodiversity Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
The variety of organisms found in a particular place
State some benefits of biodiversity
State some threats to biodiversity
What is a habitat?
An environment that is home to living organisms.
What is meant by an “abiotic” factor?
A non-living variable that can influence where organisms can live.
Give examples of “abiotic factors” ?
Examples of abiotic factors are
- water,
- air,
- soil,
- sunlight
- minerals.
What is meant by a “biotic factor” ?
An interaction associated with living organisms.
How can we measure the abiotic factor of soil moisture?
A moisture meter
How can we measure the abiotic factor of soil pH?
A pH meter
How can we measure the abiotic factor of soil temperature?
Inserting a thermometer into the soil
How can we measure the abiotic factor of light intensity?
A light meter
What is meant by a “population”?
The number of organisms of the same species
Where does all energy come from?
The sun
How do plants make sugar?
Photosynthesis
What is the photosynthesis equation
Which part of a plant absorbs light energy?
Chloroplasts in leaf cells
How do plants store food?
As starch
What is the chemical test for starch?
Turns iodine solution from brown to blue / black
Give examples of sampling techniques.
Quadrat
Pitfall traps
Sweep nets
Tree shaking
What is a quadrat?
A metal frame used to cound small organisms
Why are quadrats thrown randomly onto a piece of grass?
to stop the results being biased by picking a certain area
Give examples of biotic factors
- competition for environmental resources
- predation - a reduction in predators can lead to an increase in prey. High numbers of prey can lead to overgrazing, which can reduce biodiversity.
- disease
- food availability
What is a “pitfall trap”?
What is a benefit of fertilisers?
Increases the amount of crops grown andincreases rate of growth
What are some problems caused by fertilisers?
Cause pollution of rivers
Increases nitrates which cause breathing problems
