F212 3 Biodiversity

Question 0

What Influences Biodiversity

Answer 0

1) Species Richness - the number of species found in a habitat
2) Species Evenness - the relative numbers or abundance of individuals in each species

Question 1

Biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of living things
Genetic diversity - variation within a species
Species diversity - the number of different species an the abundance of each species
Habitat Diversity - the range of habitats in which different species live

Question 2

Simpsons Index of Diversity

Equation

Answer 2

D = 1 - (the sum of (n/N)^2)

n = number of individuals of a particular species
OR percentage cover for plants

N = the total number of individuals of all species or the percentage cover for plants

Question 3

Simpsons Index of Diversity

High Value

Answer 3

A more biodiverse area with greater species richness and species evenness
A stable environment
Able to survive environmental changes

Question 4

Species

Answer 4

A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Question 5

Habitat

Answer 5

The place where an organism or population lives

Question 6

Simpsons Index of Biodiversity

Low Value

Answer 6

A less biodiverse area with lower species evenness and species richness
An unstable environment
Less resistant to any kind of change

Question 7

Types of Biodiversity

Answer 7

Species diversity - the differences between species, may be obvious or functional

Habitat diversity - the range of different habitats in which different species live

Genetic Diversity - variation between individuals of the same species which ensures that we don’t all look alike

Question 8

Random Sampling

Instructions

Answer 8

Take samples at regular distances across the habitat
Use random numbers to generate coordinates within the habitat
Select coordinates from a map of the area and use a portable GPS to find the exact position

Question 9

Random Sampling

Purpose

Answer 9

Removes bias

Question 10

Current Global Estimates of Biodiversity

Estimate

Answer 10

In 2001 the Catalogue of Life was created to become a comprehensive guide of all known species
The estimated number of known species is 1 800 000
Some scientists believe that this is only 10% of the total number of species on the planet

Question 11

Current Estimates of Global Biodiversity

Accuracy

Answer 11

We cannot be sure if we have found all the species on earth
New species are constantly discovered
Evolution and speciation are continuing
Many species are endangered and some become extinct

Question 12

Random Sampling

Definition

Answer 12

Studying small parts of a habitat and assuming it contains a representative set of species that an be applied to the entire habitat

Question 13

Species Richness

Definition

Answer 13

The number of different species in an area

Question 14

Species Evenness

Definition

Answer 14

The number of each species in an area

Question 15

Species Richness

Estimating

Answer 15

Use a qualitative survey

Record what different species you see

Question 16

Species Evenness

Estimating - Plants

Answer 16

Carry out a quantitative survey
Use a random sampling technique to select the sample areas
Count the number of plants of each species in the sample
OR
Measure the percentage cover of each species

Question 17

Importance of Sampling

Answer 17

Cheaper and faster than surveying an entire area
Gives representative data
Allows data to be gathered across larger areas

Question 18

Species Evenness

Estimating - Animals

Answer 18

For larger animals - carefully observe and count the number of individuals present

For smaller animals - capture a sample of animals and mark them C1
Release the and leave the traps for a set time
Mark the animals caught C2
Release and leave the traps for a set time
Mark the animals caught C3
Total Population = (C1 x C2) / C3

For tiny animals in soil or water - take a sample of soil/water and sift through it counting the number of individuals you find
Use this to estimate the population size and density