Topic 3 - Biodiversity

Question 1

Biodiversity?

Answer 1

Broad concept encompassing total diversity which includes diversity of species, genetic diversity and habitat diversity

Question 2

Species diversity?

Answer 2

A product of two variables, the number of species (richness) and their relative proportions (evenness)

Question 3

Genetic diversity?

Answer 3

Refers to the range of genetic material present in a population of a species

Question 4

Habitat diversity?

Answer 4

The range of different habitats in an ecosystem or biome

Question 5

Biodiversity hotspot?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Endemic species?

Answer 6

Endemic species are plant and animal species that are found in a particular geographical region and nowhere else in the world.

Question 7

Speciation?

Answer 7

The formation of new species when populations of a species becomes isolated and evolve differently, over a long period of time

Question 8

Natural selection?

Answer 8

Where those more adapted to an environment have an advantage and flourish and reproduce

Question 9

Continental drift?

Answer 9

The movement of continents as a result of plate tectonics

Question 10

What does IUCN stand for?

Answer 10

International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Founded in 1948. Mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable

Question 11

Conservation biology?

Answer 11

The sustainable use and management of natural resources

Question 12

Preservation biology?

Answer 12

Attempts to exclude human activity in areas where humans have not yet encroached

Question 13

What are CITES?

Answer 13

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. CITES is a VOLUNTARY international agreement between governments to address this problem. Species are grouped according to how threatened they are. Since 1975 one of the most effective international wildlife conservation agreements

Question 14

Flagship species?

Answer 14

Charismatic, instantly recognised, popular and can capture our imagination. Used to ask for funds from the public which goes towards protection of the habitat (including other species) e.g. giant panda

Question 15

Keystone species

Answer 15

A species which plays a critical / disproportionately significant role in maintaining the structure of the ecosystem in which they live, e.g. sea otter, grey wolf

Question 16

What is the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme?

Answer 16

Started in 1970 and created a world network of international reserves, approximately 480 now in over 100 countries