Chapter 56

Question 1

What is Biodiversity?

Answer 1

The diversity of life in all its forms and levels of organization, including:

1. Genetic Diversity
2. Species Diversity
3. Ecosystem Diversity

Question 2

Genetic Diversity

Answer 2

Includes variation within a population as well as the genetic variation between populations

Question 3

Species Diversity

Answer 3

The variety of species in an ecosystem (ex: mountain) or across a biosphere (ex: region)

Question 4

Species Richness

Answer 4

A total number of species present in a given area

Question 5

Ecological Diversity

Answer 5

Includes all species and their relationships and functions

Question 6

If loss of unique genes occurs:

Answer 6

There is a decrease for potential species adaptations, a decrease in disease resistance and resilience

Question 7

If a loss of species occurs:

Answer 7

There is a loss of services to the ecosystem and their resiliency. For humans, this could mean loss of medications or valuable compounds that can’t be synthesized.

Question 8

If a loss of ecosystem occurs:

Answer 8

All of the above mentioned will occur plus loss of systems that sustain life (water purification, clean air etc.)

Question 9

Threats to Biodiversity (5)

Answer 9

1. Climate Change
2. Habitat Loss and Degradation
3. Pollution
4. Invasive Species
5. Other exploitation (over-harvesting etc.)
6. Other:
   - epidemics and diseases
   - natural disasters

These threats usually develop rapidly and species often do not have time for adaptation to occur

Question 10

The Extinction Vortex

Answer 10

Small populations are particularly vulnerable to extirpation ( = localized loss of species) or extinction (global loss of species)