Conservation Of Biodiversity Flashcards
What is biomimetics?
The study of living organisms so the knowledge gained can be applied to engineering or other technological developments
How has biomimetics helped vehicle design?
Splayed wingtip feathers of soaring birds reduce wind turbulence and drag. Copying the feather structure has improved aircraft and wing designs to help increase fuel efficiency
How has biomimetics helped infection control?
Bacteria do not stick easily to shark skin. A coating material that imitates shark skin is used in hospital operating theatres to help control infections
How has biomimetics helped architecture?
Termite mounds constructed above ground absorb sunlight and become hot. The hot air rises creating a convection current. This draws out stale air out of the lower parts of the nest and creates a natural solar driven ventilation system. This system has been copied in shopping centres and offices
How has biomimetics helped adhesion?
Toes of gecko lizards have pads that provide strong adhesion. Attempts are being made to copy this to provide adhesion without the need for glue
How has biomimetics helped materials?
Lightweight, flexible, strong silk produced by spiders is being copied to produce better car airbags and body armour
Examples of plants that create medicine
-Poppies are cultivated to produce painkillers, morphine and codeine
-aspirin was extracted from willow trees and is now manufactured synthetically
How has biomimetics helped medicines?
Plants need to protect themselves from herbivores. Some have spikes, and bad tastes but others produce chemicals that are toxic. In carefully controlled amounts it can have beneficial medical effects in humans
What is the importance of conserving biodiversity?
Our survival depends on the other species with which we share a planet with.
They provide a wide range of ecological life-support services as well as resources that we exploit.
Why do we need to conserve biodiversity? (6 things)
Resources
Biomimetics
Medicines
Physiological research
Pest control species
Genetic resources
How does biodiversity give us resources?
Wood: manufacture of buildings, tools, furniture
Fibres: cotton, wool, paper
Oils: vegetable and animal oils are used in foods, lubricants, soaps
Fuels: wood, charcoal, alcohol,
Food: plants, animals, algae, fungi
How does biodiversity help us with physiological research?
-studying a developing kangaroo in a pouch is easier than studying a human baby of the same age in its mothers womb. This has helped in understanding developmental problems in unborn babies
-hippopotamus skin secretes an acid which is a natural sunscreen and anti microbial agent. This is being studied to help improve the treatment of burn victims
-studying dolphins and bats that use high frequency sound to echo-locate their food has enabled the development of new ultrasound scanners that give better 3D images for diagnosis
How does biodiversity give us pest control species?
Natural predators such as ladybirds and ground beetles can be increased by providing suitable habitats such as hedgerows and beetle banks.
How does biodiversity help us with genetic resources?
Crop breeding programmes
Characteristics introduced from CWR (crop wild relative) species
-disease resistance
-salt tolerance
-resistance to drought
-high yield
-improved taste or appearance
-nutrient uptake
Ecosystem services
Atmospheric composition
Hydrological cycle
Biogeochemical cycle
Soil maintenance
Inter species relationships
Food
Pollination
Seed dispersal
Habitat provision
