ESS Topic 3 Flashcards
Biodiversity
number of different individuals or life forms in an area
highest at equator
not a static measure but a response to factors
Measure of biodiversity
genetics, species or ecosystem levels
Improve biodiversity
increase managing land
creating cities with space for other species
Species Diversity
a product of 2 variables:
no. of species (richness)
and their relative proportions (eveness)
Habitat Diversity
range of different habitats in an ecosystem or biome
Genetic Diversity
range of genetic material present in population of species
Biodiversity Hotspots
region with high level of biodiversity under thret from human activities
Speciation
gradual change of species over a long time
occurs when species are separated
humans speed it up - genetic engineering
may have geographical or reproductive causes
3 causes of speciation
physical barriers - develop into 2 or more new species
land bridges - invade new areas
continental drift - new habitats
Estimates of total number of species
vary considerably
based on mathematical models
- classification issues
- lack of finance
human influence on species loss
habitat destruction
introducing invasive species
pollution
over-harvesting
hunting
Factors determing IUCN status
population size,
degree of specialisation,
distribution,
reproductive potential and behaviour,
geographic range + degree of fragmentation,
quality of habitat,
trophic level and probability of extinction
Tropical Biomes
contains most globally biodiverse areas
unsustainable exploitation results in massive biodiversity loss
most occur in LEDCs and therefore there is a conflict between exploitation sustainable development and conservation
Direct Value of Biodiversity
Food Sources
Natural Products
Indirect Value of biodiversity
environmental services
scientific and educational value
biological control agents
gene pools
future potential
human health
human rights
recreational/ecotourism
intrinsic value
biorights self-perpetuation