Conservation Of Biodiversity Flashcards
What are the 7 biomes
Tundra, taiga, temperate forest, temperate grassland, desert, tropical grasslands, tropical rainforest
what is a habitat?
an area/location where a species or community live
what is a population?
all the species that live in a particular area
what is a species?
a group of closely-related organisms that resemble each other more than members of another group
what is taxonomy?
the science of grouping organisms
what is a taxon?
a group of organisms that share similar features
what is an ecological niche?
the role that a species plays in a particular habitat and how it uses the resources.
what is an ecosystem?
the combination of biotic and abiotic features in an area
what is a biome?
a large geographical region with specific climatic conditions where a community lives
what is the biosphere?
all of planet earth that is inhabited by living organisms, including all areas and atmosphere’s
what is a community?
includes all individuals of all species that live in a particular area
how does water availability impact the environment?
Drainage, over abstraction of aquifers, hydroelectric power
how does Dissolved oxygen impact the environment?
dissolved oxygen can be reduced by hot water from power stations which affects fish and other aquatic animals
how does Temperature (climate) impact the environment?
Affects the distribution of species
how does Temperature (water) impact the environment?
affects the growth rates of vegetation, or increases decomposition rates
how does pH impact the environment?
Affects growth rate and can denature cell proteins/ erode shells
how does Water turbidity impact the environment?
Ploughing, mining, dredging increase it, reducing light penetration, affecting photosynthesis
how are Pollinators impacted by human activities?
Affected by use of pesticides, reducing populations
why are seed dispersal species important?
Many are endangered, can be through faeces or droppings, or sticking to fur.
how do Food chain impacts affect the environment?
Over-exploitation of one species can allow the increase of another species, either a competitor or prey.
how do introduced competitors impact the environment?
makes native species compete for resources
how do introduced predators impact the environment?
reduces populations of the prey species
what are introduced pathogens?
a non native disease introduced to control or eradicate a species
how does hybridisation impact ecosystems?
cross-breeding between species resulting in infertile offspring
how does a loss of species that control abiotic factors impact the environment?
affects other species relying on those specific abiotic factors, e.g. elephants create clearings and watering holes, beavers build dams
what are examples of habitat destruction?
deforestation, ploughing grassland, reservoirs, mineral extraction, urban expansion
what are keystone species?
species that influences the survival of many other species in an ecosystem
what are Vavilov centres?
A centre for the domestication of plants
What do biological corridors do?
Connect separate areas of habitat, allowing wildlife to migrate, find mates, and access new resources
what are genetic resources?
medicinal plants, agricultural crops and animal breeds
what is re-wilding?
increasing the biodiversity of an area
what is the common fisheries policy?
A set of rules through which European fishing fleets and fish stocks are managed
what are ramsar sites?
They contain rare/important wetland types
what is vegetation age structure?
The measure of how old vegetation is e.g. Dendrochronology, counting rings on trees
