Introduction to biodiversity Flashcards
What is biodiversity
The variety of life forms in the world
What is a species
A group where the members are freely able to breed among themselves under natural conditions
What is hybridization
The crossbreeding of 2 different species
What is morphology
The physical appearance and characteristics of an organism
What is individual variability
Members of a species show differences, have unique combinations of genes
What is evolutionary change
A change that happens in an entire populatuon over LONG periods of time
What is genetic diversity
The sum of all different genes in a specific species
What are heterotrophs
Organisms that get energy from eating living or dead organisms
What are autotrophs
Organisms that make their own food from photosynthesis
What is species diversity
The different types of species in an ecosystem
Why is species diversity a good thing
It lets ecosystems survive droughts, plagues or disease outbreaks
What is ecosystem diversity
The different types of habitats and the different types of organisms that live in the habitats and their relationships that connect them
What is the structural diversity
The range of physical shapes and sizes within a habitat or ecosystem
Why is high biodiversity a good thing
Environment becomes healthier and more resilient
What is a keystone species
A species that have a large effect on the ecosystem in which they live
Why is loss of biodiversity important
-Threatens food supply
-Less medicine
-Economic impact on tourism and forestry
-Serious disruptions in biogeochemical cycles
What is an example of a keystone species
Honeybees
