Module 4 Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms, including species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, food security, medicine, and maintaining natural services like pollination and water purification.
What are the main types of biodiversity?
The three main types of biodiversity are species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
What is species diversity?
Species diversity refers to the number and variety of species in a given area or ecosystem.
What is genetic diversity?
Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genetic material within a species, allowing for adaptation to environmental changes
What is ecosystem diversity?
Ecosystem diversity is the variety of ecosystems within a specific area, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
How does biodiversity support ecosystem stability?
High biodiversity ensures a stable ecosystem by providing a range of species that perform different roles, helping to maintain ecological balance.
What is a biodiversity hotspot?
A biodiversity hotspot is an area that is both rich in species and threatened by human activities, making it a priority for conservation efforts.
What are the key threats to biodiversity?
Key threats include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, over-exploitation, and invasive species.
How does habitat destruction affect biodiversity?
Habitat destruction reduces the area available for species, leading to population declines and the loss of biodiversity.
What is the significance of keystone species?
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and diversity of an ecosystem.
What is the impact of invasive species on biodiversity?
- Invasive species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, often leading to a decline in biodiversity
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Climate change can alter habitats and disrupt species’ life cycles, leading to shifts in distributions or extinction of species unable to adapt.
What is over-exploitation?
Over-exploitation occurs when natural resources are used faster than they can regenerate, leading to the depletion of species and habitats.
- What is the role of biodiversity in ecosystem services?
Biodiversity underpins ecosystem services like food production, water purification, climate regulation, and pollination.
What is conservation?
Conservation is the practice of protecting and managing biodiversity to prevent species extinction and maintain healthy ecosystems.
What is in situ conservation?
In situ conservation involves preserving species in their natural habitats, such as in nature reserves or national parks.
What is ex situ conservation?
Ex situ conservation involves preserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos, botanical gardens, or seed banks.
What is the purpose of a wildlife reserve?
Wildlife reserves protect endangered species and their habitats from human exploitation and destruction.
What are the benefits of sustainable resource management?
Sustainable resource management ensures that resources are used efficiently, minimizing waste, and conserving biodiversity for future generations
What is the role of sustainable farming practices in conservation?
Sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and organic farming, reduce environmental damage, maintain soil fertility, and conserve biodiversity.
What is the role of international agreements in conservation?
International agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), promote global cooperation to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable resource use.
What is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
The CBD is an international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and promoting fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources.
How does reforestation help biodiversity?
Reforestation restores habitats for species, helps sequester carbon, and improves ecosystem services like water retention and soil fertility.
What is sustainable fishing?
Sustainable fishing practices involve harvesting fish in a way that does not deplete populations and allows for ecosystem recovery.
How does sustainable tourism help conservation?
Sustainable tourism minimizes the environmental impact of tourism activities and raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
What are the benefits of wildlife corridors?
Wildlife corridors provide safe pathways for species to migrate, reducing the risks of inbreeding and facilitating gene flow between populations.
What is the role of seed banks in biodiversity conservation?
Seed banks store seeds from endangered plants, preserving genetic diversity and allowing for future restoration efforts.
What is the role of captive breeding in species conservation?
Captive breeding programs help increase the population of endangered species and provide individuals for reintroduction into the wild.
How do protected areas contribute to biodiversity?
Protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, provide safe spaces for species to thrive without the pressure of human exploitation.
What is the definition of biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity provides ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation, and supports human survival and well-being.
What is the role of pollinators in biodiversity?
Pollinators, like bees and butterflies, are essential for plant reproduction and support the production of food crops, maintaining biodiversity.
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, or logging, which contributes to habitat loss and a reduction in biodiversity.
How does habitat fragmentation impact biodiversity?
Habitat fragmentation divides ecosystems into smaller, isolated patches, making it harder for species to survive and reducing genetic diversity.
What is the impact of pollution on biodiversity?
Pollution, such as chemical runoff, air pollution, and plastic waste, can harm species, degrade habitats, and disrupt ecosystem functions.
How do invasive species affect ecosystems?
Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food chains, and cause the decline or extinction of native species.
What is the role of wetlands in maintaining biodiversity?
Wetlands provide habitats for a wide range of species, improve water quality, and offer critical ecosystem services like flood protection.
What is overfishing?
Overfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to the depletion of fish populations and disruption of marine ecosystems.
What is the purpose of biodiversity action plans?
Biodiversity action plans are strategies aimed at protecting and restoring biodiversity through targeted conservation actions and policies
How do natural resources support biodiversity?
Natural resources, like forests, oceans, and soil, provide habitats, food, and essential services that support diverse ecosystems.
What is the importance of genetic diversity in conservation?
Genetic diversity allows species to adapt to changing environments, resist diseases, and maintain long-term viability in ecosystems.
How does soil degradation affect biodiversity?
Soil degradation reduces soil fertility and alters plant growth, leading to a decline in plant and animal species dependent on healthy soils.
How does ecological succession contribute to biodiversity?
Ecological succession is the gradual process of ecosystem change, where new species colonize an area, increasing species diversity over time.
What is biomagnification?
Biomagnification is the process by which toxic substances accumulate at higher concentrations in organisms at the top of the food chain.
How do marine protected areas benefit biodiversity?
- Marine protected areas help conserve marine habitats, protect endangered species, and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
What is the impact of agricultural practices on biodiversity?
Agricultural practices, such as monoculture farming, pesticide use, and habitat destruction, can reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems.
What is a biodiversity index?
A biodiversity index is a numerical measure of biodiversity, such as the Shannon or Simpson Index, that quantifies the variety of species in an ecosystem.
What is the role of ecological footprints in biodiversity conservation?
Ecological footprints measure human impact on the environment and highlight the need to reduce consumption and conserve natural resources to protect biodiversity.
How does sustainable logging support biodiversity?
Sustainable logging involves harvesting trees in a way that allows forests to regenerate, maintaining habitat and ecosystem functions.
