Classification, biodiversity and conservation Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

species

A

a species is a group of organisms with similar morphology and physiology, which can breed together to produce fertile offspring and are reproductively isolated from other species

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Outline what is meant by the term ecosystem?/2
(pp)

A

an ecosystem is an interaction between biotic and abiotic factors in a self contained community.
There is flow of energy within ecosystem

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

habitat

A

a habitat describes the place where a species lives within an ecosystem

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

niche

A

a niche is the role of an organism in an ecosystem

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Explain what is meant by the term endangered species? /2
(pp)

A
  • species threatened with extinction
  • population is too small so reproduction is affected
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Explain what is meant by biodiversity? /3
(pp)

A

biodiversity is:
1) variation in ecosystems
2) the number of species and their relative abundance
3) genetic variation within each species

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Explain what is meant by heterotrophic?/2
(pp_

A
  • feed on other organisms
  • to obtain organic compounds
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

taxonomic hierarchy

A

domain → kingdom → phylum → class → order → family → genus → species

Kings Play Chess On Fancy Gold Squares

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

the three domains

A

bacteria, archaea, eukarya (protists, fungi, plants, animals)

BAE

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells with respect to their DNA?
(pp)

A

1) Eukaryotic:
-linear
- in nucleus
- associated with
proteins
- in chromosomes
2) prokaryotic:
- circular
- free in cytoplasm
- naked
- not in chromosomes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Outline the characteristic features of organisms in the domain bacteria? /8
(pp)

A

1) unicellular prokaryotes
2) circular DNA
3) histones associated with DNA
4) smaller circular molecules of DNA called plasmids are often present
5) no membrane-bound organelles are present
6) ribosomes (70 S)
7) cell wall made up of peptidoglycans
8) cells divide by binary fission, not by mitosis
9) usually exist as single cells or small groups of cells.
10) spherical shape

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Outline the characteristic features in the domain archaea? /8
(pp)

A

1) unicellular prokaryotes
2) circular DNA
3) no histone proteins associated with DNA
4) no membrane-bound organelles
5) ribosomes (70S)
6) smaller circular molecules of DNA called plasmids are often present
7) cell wall always present, but does not contain
peptidoglycans
8) cells divide by binary fission, not by mitosis
9) usually exist as single cells or small groups of cells
10) cell membrane composition different than bacteria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Outline the characteristic features of organisms in the domain eukarya? /8
(pp)

A

1) nucleus
2) membrane-bound organelles
3) Linear DNA
4) DNA associated with histones
5) ribosomes (80S) and mitochondria/chloroplast has 70S ribosomes
6) chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA is circular
5) a great diversity of forms: there are unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms
6) cell division is by mitosis
7) many different ways of reproducing - asexually and sexually.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Compare the characteristics of bacteria and Archae.

A

similarities:
1) both are prokaryotes
2) both have circular DNA
3) Both have 70S ribosomes
4) both reproduce by binary fission

differences:
1) bacteria cell wall is
made up of
peptidoglycan
whereas archaea cell
wall does not have
peptidoglycan
2) they have different
ribosomal RNA
3) Bacteria do not have
DNA associated with
histones whereas
Archaea do not have
DNA associated with
histones
4) bacteria form spores
whereas archaea do
not form spores

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Outline the characteristic features of the organisms of kingdom Fungi

A

1) heterotrophic
2) none contain chlorophyll so does not photosynthesise
3) reproduce by spores
4) cells have cell walls made of chitin
5) never have cilia or flagella
6) mostly multicellular, some unicellular

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe the main features of an organism belonging to the kingdom Plantae? /8
(pp)

A

1) multicellular eukaryotes 2) cells that are differentiated to form tissues and organs
2) few types of specialised cells
3) some cells have chloroplasts and photosynthesise
4) cells have large permanent vacuoles
5) autotrophic nutrition
6) cell walls are made of cellulose
7) cells may occasionally have flagella - e.g. male gametes in ferns
8) complex body forms with branching systems above and below the ground
9) most have vascular bundle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Outline the characteristic features of the kingdom Animalia? /8
(pp)

A

1) multicellular eukaryotes 2) many different types of specialised cells
3) cells that are differentiated to form tissues and organs
3) motile
4) cell vacuoles are small and temporary
5) heterotrophic nutrition
6) cells do not have cell walls
7) communication is by the nervous system
8) cells sometimes have cilia or flagella

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

outline the characteristic features of the kingdom Protoctista?

A

1) unicellular, some colonial
2) some are heterotrophic and some are autotrophic
3) cellulose cell wall in some
4) Vacuole present
5) some have flagella

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Discuss the ways in which members of the kingdom protoctista are similar to each other and ways in which they are different.
(pp)

A

similarities:
- eukaryotic cells
- eukaryotic cells so they
have linear DNA and
80S ribosomes
differences:
- can be single celled or
multicellular
- autotrophic or
heterotrophic
- cell wall or no cell walls
- vacuole or no vacuole
- motile or not able to
move
- different life cycles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Name two kingdoms that are exclusively heterotrophic

A

animalia and fungi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

explain why viruses are not included in the three domain classification

A

viruses have none of the features that are traditionally used for classification

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Describe the features of viruses? /8
(pp)

A

1) not cellular
2) contain nucleic acid (RNA/DNA) core
3) DNA may be single stranded or double stranded
4) core surrounded by protein coat
5) may have external membrane
6) replicated in host cells
7) viruses are pathogenic
8) no metabolism
9) immobile
10) have enzymes to cause replication
11) specific to host cells
12) not living

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

four groups of viruses

A

1) DNA single-stranded viruses
2) DNA double-stranded viruses
3) RNA single-stranded viruses
4) RNA double-stranded viruses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

the two types of sampling

A

random sampling and systematic sampling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

when should random sampling be used?

A

1) when an area looks reasonably uniform
2) no clear pattern to the way the species are distributed
*samples must be taken randomly to avoid bias

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Random sampling using frame quadrats method

A

1) mark out the area to be sampled using string and marker pole
2) use random number generator to obtain coordinates
3) Place quadrat on ground at random coordinates
4) Identify species within quadrat using nature guide
5) estimate species abundance using
1) species density=
Total No. of
individuals
Calculated/ total
area of all quadrats
2) estimating
percentage cover
3) Braun- Blanquet
cover abundance
scale/ ACFOR scale
6) repeat many times

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

when should systematic sampling be used?

A

useful for non uniform distribution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Types of systematic sampling

A

line transect and belt transect

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Difference between line transect and belt transect

A

1) line transect- all organisms touching the line and recorded
2) belt transect- only organisms in the frame quadrat at each interval are recorded

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

method of systematic sampling

A

1) lay out a line/tape running across a certain area
2) line transect or belt transect
3) use nature guide to identify different species
4) estimate species abundance :
1) species density=
Total No. of
individuals
Calculated/ total
area of all quadrats
2) estimating
percentage cover
3) Braun- Blanquet
cover abundance
scale/ ACFOR scale 5) repeat sampling

31
Q

What method is to investigate population of motile organisms?

A

mark-release-recapture method

32
Q

What are the assumptions for mark release recapture method? /3
(pp)

A

1) marking animals in a way that it does not harm animals
2) constant population size
3) no births or deaths or any migration
4) sufficient time for individuals to mix with rest of population

33
Q

Method of mark release recapture method?/5
(pp)

A

1) as many individuals as possible are caught and counted using traps

2) each individual is marked, in a way that will not affect its future chance of survival

3) marked individuals are returned to their habitats to mix randomly with their population

4) after enough time has elapsed, a large sample is recaptured

5) number of marked and unmarked individuals are counted

6) population size estimate using Lincoln’s index: (number in 1st sample x number in second sample)/ number in second sample that are marked

34
Q

Spearman’s rank correlation

A
  • Spearman’s rank correlation determines whether there is correlation between variables that don’t show a normal distribution
35
Q

when to use Spearman’s rank correlation?

A

use when data:
1) data points are independent of each other
2) data is correlated, but not linear (draw scatter diagram first)

36
Q

method of spearmen’s rank correlation

A

1) make a null hypothesis that there is no correlation between the percentage cover of the two species
2) draw a scatter graph to see if it looks as if there is a correlation between the abundance of the two species
3) if the value calculated for Spearman’s rank is greater than the critical value at p=0.05, then the null hypothesis can be rejected, meaning there is a correlation between two variables

37
Q

Pearson’s linear correlation

A
  • Pearson’s linear correlation is a statistical test that determines whether there is linear correlation between two variables
  • data must be quantitative and show normal distribution
38
Q

method of Pearson’s linear correlation

A

1) create a scatter graph of data gathered and identify if a linear correlation exists
2) state a null hypothesis
3) if the correlation coefficient r is close to 1 or -1 then it can be stated that there is a strong linear correlation between the two variables and the null hypothesis can be rejected

39
Q

Outline the difference between Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients

A

Pearson’s correlation coefficient is used for linear correlations between two data sets

Spearman’s correlation coefficients works for linear correlations and monotonic relationships (does not increase/decrease by the same amount each time)

40
Q

Simpson’s Index of Diversity

A

a measure of biodiversity between 0 and 1 that takes into account both species richness and species evenness

  • values near 1 indicate high levels of biodiversity
  • values near 0 indicate low levels of biodiversity
  • used to quantify the biodiversity of an area

*n: total number of organisms in one species

*N: total number of organisms of all species

41
Q

How an ecological survey can measure the biodiversity of the terrestrial habitat? /4
(pp)

A

1) use random sampling
2) repeat and find mean for whole area
3) use frame quadrats for plants
4) use quadrats of same size and place at random coordinates
5) use mark-release-recapture method for animals
6) mark animals in a way that it has no adverse effect on the animals
7) use simpson’s index of biodiversity to measure biodiversity of both species richness and species evenness

42
Q

five major threats to biodiversity

A

1) habitat loss and the degradation of the environment

2) climate change

3) excessive use of fertilisers and industrial and domestic forms of pollution

4) the overexploitation and unsustainable use of resources

5) the effects of invasive alien species on native species, especially endemics

43
Q

threats to the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems

A

1) overfishing (very difficult to know whether fish stocks are sustainable), example of overexploitation of resources
2) fishing further down the food chain taking smaller fish that other animals depend on influences their populations too
3) non-biodegradable plastic is a major marine pollutant
4) fertilisers that have not been absorbed by crop plants drain into aquatic ecosystems causing the overgrowth of producers such as algae faster than herbivores can feed on them
5) algae producing toxic substances and affecting coral reefs
6) acidification of marine ecosystems due to acid rain reducing the biodiversity as few animals are able to survive/breed in waters of low pH
7) coral bleaching due to increase in water temperature due to increase in greenhouse gases

44
Q

threats to the biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems

A

1) global warming (cattle and rice farming, breakdown of organic waste in landfills under anaerobic conditions increasing methane emissions) is likely to produce changes in the distribution of terrestrial ecosystems
2) when organisms migrate to cooler areas, competition would occur between migrating organisms and species in existing communities
3) some ecosystems will become even more restricted in their range due to global warming causing problems for coastal ecosystems

45
Q

Suggest why a smaller area of marine habitats has been protected than of terrestrial habitats?
(pp)

A
  • marine environment is difficult to monitor
  • lack of public awareness
  • difficult to set boundaries
46
Q

Suggest why tropical rainforests have a high biodiversity of animal species?
(pp)

A

1) rapid growth of plants
2) large number of plant species
3) leaves for animals throughout the year for animals
4) provides habitat

47
Q

Explain why tropical rainforest is considered to have a very high ecological importance?
(pp)

A

1) has very high species diversity
2) is being lost rapidly
3) loss may lead to global warming
4) loss may affect rainfall patterns
5) loss may affect soil erosion

48
Q

Suggest why the separation of habitat into small fragments, rather than a large single area, poses a threat to the long term survival of this species?
(pp)

A
  • less choice of mates
  • could lead to inbreeding
  • decrease in hybrid vigor
  • decrease in genetic variation
  • more areas are more vulnerable to damage than large ones
  • more easily exposed to danger outside area
49
Q

discuss the reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity. /7
(pp)

A
  • economic reasons:
    - resource material such
    as wood for building,
    fibres for clothes, food
    for humans
    • species may be used in
      future for medical
      research
  • for ecotourism
  • ecological reasons:
    - maintaining genetic
    diversity
    - maintaining food webs
    - nutrient cycling
    - climate stability
    - protection against soil
    erosion
  • ethical reasons:
    - prevent extinction
    • allows indegenous
      people to conserve its
      own culture
50
Q

endangered species

A

an endangered species is one that is threatened with extinction

51
Q

List of methods of protecting endangered species

A

1) zoos
2) botanic gardens
3) conserved areas (national parks and marine parks)
4) ‘frozen zoos’
5) seed banks

52
Q

Outline the role of zoos in the conservation of endangered species? /4
(pp)

A

1) zoos have captive breeding programmes
2) the goal of captive breeding programme is to increase number of endangered species and release to wild
3) assisted reproduction by AI or IVF to increase number
4) medical care
5) public awareness
6) projects in the field
7) maintaining genetic databases to avoid interbreeding

53
Q

Discuss the role of botanic gardens in the protection of endangered species? /7
(pp)

A

1) collect plants from the wild
2) from many countries
3) especially from areas at risk from climate change
4) grow seeds in botanic gardens
5) Increased seed number
6) tissue culture
7) store in seed bank
8) maintain genetic diversity
9) cooperate with governments for research
10) to conserve habitats
11) to restore habitats
12) to reintroduce species into wild
13) raise awareness
14) raise funds

54
Q

Describe the role of seed banks in the protection of endangered species?/7
(pp)

A

1) collection of seeds
2) long term storage
3) storage to prevent germination
4) stored at frozen conditions
5) seeds regularly tested for viability
6) seeds re-stocked regularly
7) maintain genetic diversity
8) can be used in future to increase number
9) maintains biodiversity
10) education
11) takes up less space than growing plants

55
Q

methods of assisted reproduction

A

1) in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
2) artificial insemination (AI)
2) embryo transfer
3) surrogacy

56
Q

why assisted reproduction is useful

A

1) it’s a solution to the problem of inbreeding
2) solve the problem of males and females who do not show any courtship behaviour and will not mate
3) movement of large mammals is difficult, expensive and breeding does not always happen so sperm is collected which can then be used in assisted reproduction

57
Q

Describe how IVF can be used with endangered species?
(pp)

A

1) females are given hormones for superovulation
2) oocytes are harvested from females using fine needle
3) sperms obtained and is mixed with oocytes
4) cultured for several days until embryo survives
5) Transfer embryo into uterus

58
Q

Discuss the ethical implications of IVF? /7
(pp)

A

1) not natural
2) possible birth defects
3) only wealthy can access IVF
4) some embryo’s discarded
5) unknown effects of freezing embryos for storage
6) issues regarding selection of gender
7) issues regarding surrogate mothers
8) extending age of conception of women past menopause

59
Q

Describe the procedure of embryo transfer in a mammal?
(pp)

A

1) embryo is formed during mating or IVF
2) so embryo is removed from female uterus which mated
3) select healthy embryos
4) may freeze embryo for later use
5) implant embryo in uterus of surrogate mother

60
Q

Suggest how the seeds should be stored in the seed banks to keep them viable for future?
(pp)

A

kept cool/dried

61
Q

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of captive breeding programmes for mammals? /8
(pp)

A

Advantages:
1) can monitor health of
mother
2) can monitor health of
fetus
3) storage of sperms and
eggs
4) assist reproduction by
IVF or AI
5) international
cooperation
6) genetic records kept
7) can prevent extinction

Disadvatages:
1) unnatural
environment
2) stress in captivity
3) behaivioral changes
4) may reject mates
5) reproductive cycles
disrupted
6) more susceptible to
diseases

62
Q

Suggest why species can become extinct?
(pp)

A

1) Climate change
2) habitat loss
3) hunting by humans
4) competition for food and resources
5) new diseases
6) species cannot adapt fast enough
7) numbers get so low that population cannot recover

63
Q

alien species

A

alien or invasive species are those that have moved from one ecosystem to another where they were previously unknown

64
Q

causes of alien species

A

1) humans trading animals and plants or unwittingly carrying them on ships
2) introduced as biological control agents to control pests
3) escapees
4) animals introduced for sport

65
Q

effects of alien species

A

1) successful predators with few controls (no natural predators of it in new environments)
2) may compete effectively with native organisms that occupy the same niche, pushing them to extinction
3) may also introduce diseases that spread to similar organisms that have never been exposed to the pathogens
4) outcompete native species simply by reducing the space where they can grow

66
Q

Explain why the introduction of alien species should be avoided?
(pp)

A

1) invasive species reduce other organisms abundance
2) they alter food webs
3) they lack predators
4) may prey on native organisms
5) may compete with local organisms
6) may introduce diseases
7) may change habitat for example they may change pH of soil
8) may threaten human health so can have effects on food chain
9) may decrease biodiversity

67
Q

non-governmental organisations involved in local and global conservation

A

1) IUCN

2) the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

68
Q

Outline the role of IUCN
(pp)

A

1)IUCN is a global authority
2) to conserve biodiversity
3) IUCN red lists threatened and endangered species
4) it categorises species conservation status
5) spreads awareness
3) provides advice about conservation issues
5) influence governments

69
Q

Suggest ways by which CITES attempts to regulate the trade in wild fauna and flora?
(pp)

A

1) CITES is trade agreement between governments
2) trade ban of species is in danger of extinction
3) if species is not at risk of extinction then trade permit is required
4) border checks to ensure no illegal activity is occuring
5) each country is provided with list of endangered species
6) encourages countries to join CITES

70
Q

Explain how the classification of species into taxonomic hierarchy assists the work of conservation bodies such as the IUCN?
(pp)

A

1) records biodiversity
2) so conservation decisions can be made
3) such as the IUCN which red lists threatened and endangered species
4) CITES is the regulation of trade
5) taxonomic hierarchy is internationally recognised

71
Q

How non governmental organisations contribute to conservation?
(pp)

A

1) IUCN red lists threatened and endangered species
2) raise funds
3) bans hunting and deforestation
4) research
5) conserves biodiversity
6) raise awareness
7) holds protests
8) promote coexistence of wildlife and people
9) CITES regulate wildlife trade
10) bans trade if species are extinct

72
Q

Suggest reason why the red list has many more vertebrates than invertebrates?
(pp)

A
  • vertebrates are more visible as they are larger
  • people are more interested in vertebrates
73
Q

outline how degraded habitats may be restored, with reference to named examples? /7
(pp)

A

1) replanting
2) re introduction of native animal species
3) bioremediation
4) Bubbling oxygen through water
5) normalising pH of water bodies
6) purifying water bodies
7) waste removal
8) removal of toxic layer of soil
9) improving soil fertility
10) removal of alien species
11) protection against grazing

74
Q

Explain the consequences on genetic diversity of having a wild population of just 6 birds
(pp)

A

1) decreased genetic diversity
2) decreased heterozygosity
3) harmful recessive alleles may come together
4) inbreeding depression
5) decreased hybrid vigour
6) less able to adapt to changed environment