Introduction to Biogeography

Question 1

biogeography

Answer 1

the geography of flora (plants) and fauna (animals)

Question 2

Biodiversity or biological diversity

Answer 2

the variety of life forms, the ecological roles they perform and the genetic diversity they contain
*# of species (life forms): 1.75 million identified & described (only know this one); Estimates of between 3.7 & 111 million species, with a working estimate 13.62 million.

Question 3

genetic diversity

Answer 3

variety in the genetic makeup among individuals within a species

Question 4

species diversity

Answer 4

variety among the species or distinct types of organisms found in different habitats of the planet

Question 5

ecological diversity

Answer 5

variety of forests, deserts, grasslands, streams, lakes, oceans, coral reefs wetlands & other biological communities

Question 6

functional diversity

Answer 6

biological & chemical processes or functions such as energy flow & matter cycling needed for the survival of species & biological communities

Question 7

processes

Answer 7

• photosynthesis
• energy flow within & between systems
• ecological efficiency: Trophic levels, food webs
• plant & animal succession
• geographic dispersal: Physical factors, Biotic factors

Question 8

matter

Answer 8

from subatomic particles to ecosystems
atom –> molecules –> protoplasm –> cells ->tissues –> organs –> organ systems –> organisms –>populations –> communities –> ecosystems –> biosphere

Question 9

based on atoms

Answer 9

protons, electrons, neutrons, ions

Question 10

elements

Answer 10

non-human made (‘natural’) & human-made

Question 11

compounds

Answer 11

organic (hydrocarbons, carbohydrates, etc) & inorganic

Question 12

2 sub areas

Answer 12

Phytogeography- plant distributions
Zoogeography- animal distributions