Biodiversity Within A Community Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
True or False: Biodiversity only refers to the number of species in an area.
False
What are the three main components of biodiversity?
Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Fill in the blank: The total number of different species in a community is known as ________ diversity.
species
What is genetic diversity?
The variation of genes within a species.
Which type of diversity includes habitats and ecological processes?
Ecosystem diversity.
True or False: High biodiversity can lead to greater ecosystem stability.
True
What is an example of a keystone species?
Sea otters in kelp forest ecosystems.
How does habitat destruction impact biodiversity?
It leads to loss of species and genetic diversity.
What is the significance of endemic species?
They are species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Multiple Choice: Which factor does NOT directly affect biodiversity? A) Climate change B) Invasive species C) Human population size D) Soil pH
D) Soil pH
What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services?
Higher biodiversity generally leads to greater ecosystem services.
Fill in the blank: The ________ of a species is the role it plays in its ecosystem.
niche
True or False: Biodiversity can be measured using indices such as the Simpson’s Diversity Index.
True
What is the purpose of conservation biology?
To study and protect biodiversity.
What role do pollinators play in biodiversity?
They facilitate plant reproduction, supporting diverse plant communities.
Multiple Choice: Which is a benefit of high biodiversity? A) Increased disease susceptibility B) Greater ecosystem resilience C) Limited resource availability D) Increased competition
B) Greater ecosystem resilience
What is an ecological niche?
The specific role and position a species has in its environment.
True or False: Biodiversity is static and does not change over time.
False
What is the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity?
Invasive species can outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity.
Fill in the blank: The ________ hypothesis suggests that more diverse communities are more productive.
diversity
What is the primary cause of biodiversity loss worldwide?
Habitat destruction.
What does the term ‘biodiversity hotspot’ refer to?
A region with a high level of endemic species that is under significant threat.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a direct consequence of decreased biodiversity? A) Increased ecosystem resilience B) Enhanced food security C) Greater vulnerability to environmental changes D) Improved water quality
C) Greater vulnerability to environmental changes
What is the role of biodiversity in climate regulation?
Biodiversity helps in carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
True or False: Biodiversity can be enhanced through sustainable practices.
True
What are the main threats to biodiversity?
Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species.
Fill in the blank: The ________ effect describes how the loss of a single species can impact an entire ecosystem.
trophic
What is a biodiversity index?
A quantitative measure that reflects how many different species are present in a given area.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of ecosystem diversity? A) Variety of plant species B) Different habitats like forests and wetlands C) Genetic variation within a species D) Number of individuals in a population
B) Different habitats like forests and wetlands
What does ‘species richness’ refer to?
The number of different species present in a community.
True or False: Biodiversity is only important for ecological reasons.
False
What is the role of genetic diversity in species survival?
It increases the ability of a species to adapt to changing environments.
Fill in the blank: ________ species are those that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.
Keystone
What is the significance of wildlife corridors?
They connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to migrate and maintain genetic diversity.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a method of conserving biodiversity? A) Establishing protected areas B) Habitat restoration C) Overexploitation of resources D) Sustainable management of natural resources
C) Overexploitation of resources
What is the concept of ‘biodiversity conservation’?
The practice of protecting and managing biodiversity to prevent loss.
True or False: Biodiversity has no economic value.
False
What is a biotic factor in an ecosystem?
A living component that affects the population of another organism.
Fill in the blank: ________ diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a given area.
Ecosystem
What is the effect of climate change on biodiversity?
It alters habitats and can lead to species extinction.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes ‘habitat fragmentation’? A) An increase in species diversity B) The process of dividing habitats into smaller, isolated patches C) The restoration of ecosystems D) The introduction of new species
B) The process of dividing habitats into smaller, isolated patches
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
They break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.
True or False: Biodiversity can improve mental health and well-being.
True
What is the impact of overfishing on marine biodiversity?
It leads to the decline of fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: The ________ principle states that ecosystems with higher biodiversity can better withstand environmental stresses.
resilience
What is the role of native species in an ecosystem?
They maintain the balance and health of the ecosystem.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a method to assess biodiversity? A) Population density measurement B) Species richness calculation C) Soil pH testing D) Temperature recording
B) Species richness calculation
What is the significance of biodiversity for agriculture?
It provides a variety of crops and livestock that can enhance food security.
True or False: Biodiversity can contribute to the development of new medicines.
True
What does the term ‘extinction’ refer to?
The permanent loss of a species from Earth.
Fill in the blank: The ________ is a measure of the abundance and distribution of species in an ecosystem.
biodiversity index
What is the impact of pollution on biodiversity?
It can harm species and disrupt ecosystem functions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of biodiversity? A) Increased food security B) Enhanced ecosystem stability C) Greater vulnerability to diseases D) Improved resilience to change
C) Greater vulnerability to diseases
What is the role of biodiversity in soil health?
Biodiversity contributes to nutrient cycling and soil structure.
True or False: Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem services that support human life.
True
What does the term ‘sustainable development’ mean in relation to biodiversity?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
Fill in the blank: ________ conservation focuses on protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species.
Ecosystem
What is the importance of biodiversity for climate change adaptation?
It provides a range of species that can adapt to changing conditions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of biodiversity loss? A) Increased genetic diversity B) Decreased ecosystem resilience C) Enhanced ecosystem services D) Greater species richness
B) Decreased ecosystem resilience