Module 4:Biodiversity Flashcards
What does biodiversity mean?
the variety of living organisms present in an area
How can biodiversity be measured ?
in terms of …
-species richness
-species evenness
-genetic diversity
-habitat diversity
What does species richness mean?
measure of the number of different SPECIES that are present in a HABITAT
What does species evenness mean?
comparison of the number of INDIVIDUALS of each species living in a COMMUNITY
What is meant by genetic diversity?
What is meant by habitat diversity?
measure of the genetic variation found in a particular species , the number of alleles in a gene pool
the number of habitats found in an area
How else can biodiversity be measured?
using the index of diversity calculation
Why is maintaining biodiversity important?
2
its essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem for all organisms as all species are interconnected
-we rely on a balanced ecosystem for food , oxygen and other materials needed for survival
Why is it important that species stay interconnected?
because if the links are lost due to a reduced biodiversity , it will harm all the species in the ecosystem
What is an abiotic factor?
a non biological aspect of an ecosystem which determines what organisms are present
What is a biotic factor
a biological factor (organism) , they all affect each other by acting as energy sources/competitors
Why is having a large population important?
make 3 points
-provides a large gene pool
-this gives a genetically diverse population which is needed to maintain biodiversity
-more variation means more flexibility for change , promotes survival
What is meant by endemic?
when the ecological state of a species is unique to a defined geographical location
What is a habitat?
a place where an organism lives , they each have a particular set of conditions that the organisms have adapted to
What is a population?
What is a community made up of ?
a group of interbreeding individuals of the same species in a particular area
-the different populations within an area
What are the two types of competition?
-intraspecific
-interspecific
