L1 Tosh - Diversity of Life

Question 1

For what 3 reasons can’t we be more accurate on species number?

Answer 1

1. lack of morphological variation in some taxa (bacteria)
2. function of effort in looking (birds and nemotodes)
3. sampling - rich habitats, and large inaccessible habitats

Question 2

Give 4 reasons we should care bout saving species diversity

Answer 2

1. provisions/ renewable resources
   - fibres, food, disease resistance, pest control, flood prevention, soil erosion
2. food security
   - genetic diversity of crops, stress tolerance, disease resistance, e.g. wild potatoes such as Hungarian purple potatoes are blight resistant
3. Medicines
   - e.g. Madagascar - 13000 plant species, 80% endemic, Vinca rosea - used for diabetes
4. Cultural
   - aesthetic, recreational, educational
5. Morals

Question 3

What 2 things does a species inventory tell us?

Answer 3

1. Proportion of endangered flora/fauna
   - how much as been lost
2. How much/little we know about life on earth