Chapter 10- Biodiversity

Question 1

Define species

Answer 1

• basic unit of classification
• species are capable of breeding to produce living, fertile offspring

Question 2

Explain the binomial system

Answer 2

• universal system based upon latin or greek names
• first name called the generic name denotes the genus and the first letter is upper case
• second name called the specific name denotes the species and the first letter is always lower case

Question 3

What does courtship behaviour resemble

Answer 3

the physical, biochemical and behavioural characteristics of a species

Question 4

What does courtship behaviour enable individuals to do

Answer 4

• recognise members of the same species
• identify a mate that is capable of breeding
• form a pair bond
• synchronise mating
• become able to breed

Question 5

What are the two forms of classification

Answer 5

1. artificial classification- divides organisms according to differences that are useful at the time
2. phylogenetic classification- based upon evolutionary relationships between organisms and ancestors

Question 6

What is the taxonomic rank

Answer 6

Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Question 7

What is biodiversity

Answer 7

• the term used to describe the variety in the living world
• refers to the number and variety of living organisms

Question 8

Definition of species diversity

Answer 8

number of different species and the number of individuals of each species within any one community

Question 9

Definition of genetic diversity

Answer 9

variety of genes possessed by the individuals that make up a population of species

Question 10

Definition of ecosystem diversity

Answer 10

range of different habitats

Question 11

What is species richness

Answer 11

the number of different species in a particular area at a given time

Question 12

Equation to work out index of diversity

Answer 12

index of diversity = total number of organisms of all species(N) - 1 / total number of each species (n) - 1

Question 13

How does agriculture affect biodiversity

Answer 13

• lower index of diversity
• therefore lower genetic variability
• less wild life

Question 14

Examples of conservation techniques to maintain species diversity

Answer 14

• maintain hedgerows
• plant hedges instead of fences for field boundaries
• leave wet corners of fields instead of draining them
• plant trees
• use organic fertilisers

Question 15

How was genetic diversity traditionally observed

Answer 15

by observing the characteristics of an organism

Question 16

What does it mean when an organism is polygenic

Answer 16

organisms are coded for by more than one gene

Question 17

How can we now investigate diversity

Answer 17

we can read base sequences of DNA with the help of computers where nucleotide bases can be tagged with different colours

Question 18

Define interspecific variation

Answer 18

if one species differs from another

Question 19

Define intraspecific variation

Answer 19

members of the same species which differ from each other

Question 20

What is a normative distribution curve

Answer 20

a bell shaped curve that shows continuous variation

Question 21

What is standard deviation on a normative distribution curve

Answer 21

measure of the width of the curve