T3 (Biodiversity) Definitions

Question 1

Biodiversity

Answer 1

The variety of forms of life on earth

Question 2

Genetic Diversity

Answer 2

Range of genetic material present in a species or population

Question 3

Habitat Diversity

Answer 3

The range of different habitats in an ecosystem

Question 4

Species Diversity

Answer 4

The variety of species in an ecosystem

Question 5

Biodiversity Hotspot

Answer 5

A region with a high level of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities

Question 6

Speciation

Answer 6

The formation of new species when populations of a species become isolated and evolve differently. (process of evolution)

Question 7

Geographical Isolation

Answer 7

A physical barrier, such as a mountain range, that causes populations to become separated

Question 8

Mass Extinction

Answer 8

A period in which at least 75% of the total no. of species on Earth at the time are wiped out

Question 9

Intrinsic Value

Answer 9

The value a species has within its own right (as opposed to the value it can give)

Question 10

Utilitarianism

Answer 10

Taking the best moral action that maximises happiness / minimises suffering to sentient entities

Question 11

Habitat Conservation

Answer 11

Management practise that seeks to conserve, protect and restore habitat areas for wild plants and animals

Question 12

Species-based Conservation

Answer 12

Conservation that aims to protect a specific species or group of species that are most likely endangered or under threat

Question 13

IN SITU

Answer 13

Conservation of species within their natural habitat

Question 14

EX SITU

Answer 14

Preservation of species outside their natural habitat

Question 15

Frozen Zoo

Answer 15

A storage facility in which genetic materials taken from animals are stored at low temperatures

Question 16

Species

Answer 16

A group of organisms sharing common characteristics that interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Question 17

Community

Answer 17

A group of populations living and interacting with each other in a common habitat

Question 18

Habitat

Answer 18

The environment in which

a species normally lives

Question 19

Evolution

Answer 19

The cumulative, gradual change in the genetic composition of a species over many successive generations, ultimately giving rise to species different from the common ancestor

Question 20

Genes

Answer 20

Sections of DNA found in the nucleus of all cells (essentially the instructions from which a species is produced)

Question 21

Gene Pool

Answer 21

All the different types of gene found within every individual of a species

Question 22

Keystone Species

Answer 22

Species that are vital for the continuing function of the ecosystem: without them
the ecosystem may collapse

Question 23

Flagship Species

Answer 23

‘charismatic’ species selected to appeal to the public and thereby help to protect other species in an area