EQ1

Question 1

What can biodiversity be defined as?

Answer 1

Genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.

Question 2

What is genetic diversity?

Answer 2

Range of genes found within a particular species determining disease/pest resistance.

Question 3

What is species diversity?

Answer 3

Variety of plant and animal species present in an ecosystem measured by abundance, richness, number and disparity.

Question 4

What is ecosystem diversity?

Answer 4

Number of different ecosystems within a given area, controlled by climate, geology, relief, soils and humans

Question 5

What natural global factors influence biodiversity and how?

Answer 5

• size of an area (larger biomes support wider species range and encourage migration)
• history & age (oldest and least disturbed have greatest biodiversity)
• isolation (reduces number of species but encourages endemism)
• altitudinal range (larger range means more habitat range)

Question 6

What natural regional factors influence biodiversity and how?

Answer 6

• productivity
• habitat architecture (many ecological niches supports high level of biodiversity)
• habitat heterogeneity (wider range of habitats)

Question 7

What conditions enable high productivity?

Answer 7

Humidity, nutrients & light

Question 8

Define habitat architecture

Answer 8

Complexity of a trophic pyramid.

Question 9

Define habitat heterogeneity

Answer 9

Varied physical environment

Question 10

What natural local factors influence biodiversity?

Answer 10

Succession
Species interactions (competition, extinction, introduction of new species)
Disturbance
Dispersal and colonisation

Question 11

What direct human factors affect biodiversity?

Answer 11

Land use
Species introduction/removal
Use of technology
External input (fertilisers/irrigation)
Resource consumption
CC
Evolution

Question 12

What indirect human factors affect biodiversity?

Answer 12

Demographic
Economic (globalisation/trade)
Science & Tech.
Culture & religion (affects consumption choices/beliefs)

Question 13

Where is the greatest biodiversity?

Answer 13

Brazil
Tropical countries
Developing countries where there are little resources to support conservation strategies

Question 14

Where is the lowest biodiversity?

Answer 14

At higher latitudes

Question 15

What is an exception to the geographical biodiversity distribution?

Answer 15

Australia - high levels of endemism

Question 16

Define a hotspot

Answer 16

An area containing a huge number of species where a large percentage of them are endemic

Question 17

Define continental hotspots

Answer 17

Richest in terms of biodiversity

Question 18

Define large island hotspots

Answer 18

Harbour diverse distinctive species including relict fauna

Question 19

Define relict

Answer 19

something which has survived from an earlier period or in a primitive form

Question 20

Define small island hotspots

Answer 20

Low species number but high proportion of endemics
Species here are susceptible to extinction due to small pop.
Physical disturbance
Human exploitation and vulnerability to alien species

Question 21

How is the value of ecosystems measured and give examples of each.

Answer 21

Provisioning - food, water, fuel, wood, fruits, nuts
Regulating - green lungs, carbon sinks, flood protection, disease
Cultural - aesthetic, spiritual enjoyment, education, recreation
Supporting - nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production, habitats

Question 22

How does biodiversity impact human wellbeing and give examples.

Answer 22

Security - safety, secure resources, security form disasters
Material for life - adequate livelihoods, shelter, goods access, nutritional food
Health - strength, feeling well, clear air, water access
Social relations - cohesion, mutual respect, ability to help others

Question 23

Define limiting factors and give examples

Answer 23

Restrict growth in extreme regions
Lack of sunlight in Arctic
Aridity in central Australia

Question 24

Define endemism

Answer 24

Unique species evolved on islands

Question 25

Where is there minimal seasonality and what does this mean?

Answer 25

On the equator

It maximises biomass