Plant Diversity Flashcards
Define: indigenous species, exotic/alien species, endemic species, extralimital species
Indigenous - occurs naturally in an area
Exotic/alien - species introduced from another region or country
Endemic - indigenous species that is found in a particular area and nowhere else
Extralinital - species from neighbouring region that is introduced in an area for ecotourism or agricultural purposes
What are the threats to biodiversity
Poor farming practises - high demand ov food = overgrazing, monoculture, large scale destruction of natural vegetation to create fields; pesticide use = can end up in waters = pollution
Golf estates - often require large amounts of exotic grass that need lots of water and fertilizer, natural vegetation removed for this
Mining - removal of natural vegetation and negative effect on quality of ground water
Urbanisation - bigger population = more houses, schools, hospitals needed; dams also built to store water and industries create air and water pollution
Transportation - road and rail systems cover massive area of land and act as corridor for alien pkants to penetrate new land
Deforestation - permanent destruction bc of urbanisation, need for fuel, agriculture and need for timber
Destruction of wetland and grassland - wetlands drained for housing or agriculture, grassland converted to crops of overgrazed
Poaching
Alien plant invasion - out compete indigenous plants bc grow bigger and taller and take up water and sunlight, and do not have natural predators
How can alien plants be cintrolled
Mechanical control - killed by barking or hacking = time consuming and expensive
Chemical control - chemical herbicides sprayed on plants
Biological control - natural enemies ov plant introduced
Why is retaining biodiversity important for humans
Tourism potential
Soil generation and soil quality (soil dwelling species break down matter, release and recycle nutrients)
Air quality
Water quality (reeds in wetlands absorb certain poisons, clarify water and remove excess nutrients to prevent eutrophication)
Pest control
Pollination
Food security
Health care
