Biodiversity Flashcards
What is the definition of biodiversity
Biodiversity is a measure of the variety of living organisms and genetic differences
Why is biodiversity important
If biodiversity is reduced in one area the natural balance may be destroyed elsewhere. The air and water of the planet are purified by the action of a wide range of organisms. Waste is decomposed and rendered non toxic by many organisms including bacteria and fungi. Photosynthesis by plants plays an important role in stabilising the atmosphere. Biodiversity also provides the genetic variation that has allowed us to develop the production of crops etc
What two factors need to be considered when measuring biodiversity
The number of different species in an area (species richness) and the evenness of distributions of the different species ( the relative abundance of the different types of organism that make up the species richness
When measuring biodiversity does a higher value indicate a greater or worse biodiversity
It indicates a greater biodiversity
Where is high biodiversity seen
In very stable ecosystems as this allows many complex relationships to develop between species, in areas where there are high levels of productivity as this can support more niches and in areas where organisms can grow and reproduce rapidly as it is more likely that mutations occur leading to adaptations that allow organisms to exploit more niches
What are the ethical reasons for maintaining biodiversity
If we destroy biodiversity of an ecosystem we are denying future generations the opportunity to use these renewable natural resources, the natural world and the biodiversity within it is a great source of pleasure for many people and so should be protected and maintained, human activities also have the potential to cause mass extinctions through global climate change and this is regarded as unethical
