Chapter 21 Flashcards
How do ecologists measure biodiversity?
By considering the number of species and the number of individuals in each species
What are the types of biodiversity?
Genetic diversity (the raw material for adaption in a species), Chemical diversity (genetic makeup that produce different assortment of chemicals in their cells), Ecosystem diversity (# of different ecosystems on Earth)
In what ways is biodiversity important?
Human health, agriculture, wild food sources
What threat to biodiversity is the loss of half the Sumatran Forest an example of?
Habitat loss
Define exotic species?
Species that have been intentionally or unintentionally introduced by humans into an ecosystem in which they did not evolve
What is climate change?
The conversion of natural ecosystems due to human activities like burning coal and greenhouse gases which leads to higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme weather
What are biodiversity hotspots?
Geographical areas that contain high numbers of endemic species
What are preserves?
An area of land set aside with varying degrees of protection for the organisms that exist within boundaries of the preserve
Whales have a slow-growing population and are at risk of complete extinction due to which biodiversity threat?
Overharvesting
What conservation measure is the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park an example of?
Habitat restoration
What is considered a major extinction threat when combined with habitat loss?
Climate change
