Chapter 10: Biodiversity Flashcards
Section 1, Section 2, & Section 3
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the different species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, as well as the genetic differences within these species and the ecosystems they form. High biodiversity contributes to the resilience and stability of ecosystems, providing essential services like clean air and water, pollination of plants, and decomposition of waste.
List 3 ways that population growth affects biodiversity.
Population growth can impact biodiversity in several ways. Firstly, as more people inhabit an area, there is increased pressure on natural resources like land, water, and forests, leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation. This can result in the loss of biodiversity as species lose their homes and struggle to survive. Secondly, growing populations often require more food and energy, leading to increased pollution and waste, which can harm ecosystems and species. Lastly, human activities like overfishing, deforestation, and pollution driven by population growth can directly threaten various species and contribute to a decline in biodiversity.
What are some economic benefits to biodiversity?
Biodiversity provides numerous economic benefits, such as supporting industries like agriculture, fisheries, and pharmaceuticals through genetic diversity, promoting ecotourism and recreation, and offering ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation, which are invaluable to human well-being and economic stability.
What are the 3 levels of biodiversity?
Biodiversity includes three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population of a particular species. Species diversity is the variety of different species in a specific area or ecosystem. Ecosystem diversity encompasses the variety of different ecosystems or habitats in a region. Each level plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced environment.
How many species are known to science?
Between 1 and 2 million
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species has a disproportionately large impact on its environment compared to its abundance. It is a species that holds everything together like a keystone in an arch. If you remove a keystone species, it can lead to significant changes and even the collapse of the entire ecosystem.
What is a biodiversity hotspot?
A biodiversity hotspot is a place with a high level of species richness and a large number of unique species that are found nowhere else. These hotspots are important for conservation efforts because they hold a significant amount of Earth’s biodiversity in a relatively small area.
Why are biodiversity hotspots important?
They are important because they contain a huge variety of species that are unique and rare. Protecting these hotspots is important because they hold a significant amount of Earth’s biodiversity in a relatively small area. If we conserve these areas, we can help safeguard many species from extinction and preserve the balance of ecosystems.
What are examples of biodiversity hotspots?
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with exceptionally high levels of plant and animal species found nowhere else and facing significant threats. Some examples are the Amazon Rainforest, the Coral Triangle, the Caribbean Islands, and the Western Ghats in India.
What is a mass extinction?
A mass extinction is a catastrophic event where a large number of species go extinct in a relatively short period of time. These events can be caused by natural disasters, drastic environmental changes, or human activities. Mass extinctions have occurred several times in Earth’s history, with the most famous being the one that wiped out the dinosaurs.
What is an endangered species?
An endangered species is a species that is at risk of becoming extinct in the near future. These species have a dwindling population size, and their survival is threatened by factors like habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are important to protect and save endangered species from disappearing forever.
What is a threatened species?
A threatened species refers to a species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to protect it. These species have declining populations and face threats to their survival. Conservation actions are needed to prevent them from becoming endangered or extinct.
What is an exotic species?
An exotic species is a species that is not native to a particular area but has been introduced there, either intentionally or accidentally. These species can sometimes disrupt the local ecosystem by outcompeting native species for resources or spreading diseases.
What is the most common cause of extinction?
The most common cause of extinction are natural disasters, drastic environmental changes, or human activities.
What organisms are in danger of becoming extinct?
Endangered species are at risk of becoming extinct due to factors like habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Some examples of organisms in danger of becoming extinct are the Amur leopard, mountain gorilla, and Sumatran orangutan.
