Chapter 2 Biodiversity Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
A measure of the variation found in the living world
What is species richness?
The number of different species in a given area
What is species evenness?
A measure of the relative abundance of the different species in a given area
Definition of species?
A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
What are some techniques to catch small invertebrates?
- Sweeping nets: sweep a stout net in wide arcs through vegetation
- Pooter: collect animals before flying away
- Pitfall trap: small container buried in the soil with the rim just below the surface and a little water as the bottom
- Tullgren funnel: funnel containing leaf litter and a mesh screen the animals fall through into a jar beneath
What is used to trap small mammals?
Longworth trap
What is meant by monoculture?
A crop consisting of one strain of species
What equation is used to calculate diversity of a habitat?
Simpsons index
What is a polymorphic gene locus?
A locus that has more than 2 alleles (increases genetic diversity)
What is genetic diversity in terms of alleles and loci?
Genetic diversity is found when there is more than one allele for a particular locus
How does agriculture negatively affect biodiversity?
- Deforestation for more space for cattle
- Creating monocultures reducing genetic diversity
- Selective breeding reducing genetic diversity
How does climate change negatively affect biodiversity?
Animals cannot adapt to changes in temperature and rainfall
What is a keystone species?
A species that has a disproportionate affect upon its environment relative to its abundance
What is meant by soil depletion?
The loss of soil fertility caused by removal of minerals by continuous cropping
What are ecological reasons to maintain biodiversity?
- Interdependence of organisms
- Genetic resource (genetic diversity declines so we lose natural solutions to our problems)
What are economic reasons to maintain biodiversity?
- Growth of timber/ fuel
- Growth of food
- Fertilisation of soil
What is meant by conservation in situ?
Maintaining biodiversity by conserving species in their natural environment
What are some examples of in situ conservation?
- Wildlife reserves/ Marine conservation zones
- Legislation to stop hunting/ logging/ deforestation etc.
- Repopulation
What is meant by ex situ?
Maintaining biodiversity by conserving species outside of their natural environment/ habitat
What are some examples of ex situ conservation?
- Zoos
- Botanic gardens
- Seed banks
What does CITES stand for and what are some of their aims?
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
- Ensure that trade in wild plants for commercial uses is prohibited
- Regulate and monitor international trade in selected species
- Ensure that international trade does not endanger the survival of wild populations
What are the aims of Rio Convention on Biological Diversity?
- Conservation of biological diversity
- Shared access to genetic resources
- Sharing of scientific knowledge and technologies
What are aims of The Countryside Stewardship Scheme?
- Looking after wildlife, species and their many habitats
- Protecting historic features and natural resources
- Ensuring traditional livestock and crops are conserved
What are some benefits of reintroduction of species to an area?
- Ecotourism
- Scientific study
- Education
