Defining biodiversity

Question 1

Genetic diversity definition

Answer 1

The range of genes found within a particular species.

Question 2

Ecosystem diversity definition

Answer 2

The range of different ecosystems, habitats and niches within an area.

Question 3

Species diversity

Answer 3

The number of different plant and animals species in an area.

Question 4

What factors influence biodiversity?

Answer 4

Productivity 
Disturbance 
Succession
Isolation 
Dispersal and colonisation 
History and age 
Indirect human drivers of change

Question 5

Summary of some influences on Biodiversity

Answer 5

Biodiversity is high on large, mountainous, tropical (low latitude) islands- Madagascar, Sumatra and java are good examples.
Lack of factors to limit growth: lots of light, warmth and rain promotes growth.
Altitude produces a range of ecological zones, each with its own species- good news for coping with climate change
Isolation and endemism
Large areas can support large numbers of species- complex food chains.
Decay and nutrient cycling are rapid nutrient soils
Limits human influence

Question 6

Biodiversity hotspot

Answer 6

Areas with high species richness, endemism and severe human threats
Pivotal areas- are those with concentrations of hotspots