Topic 3.1

Question 1

Define the concept of biodiversity

Answer 1

Biodiversity is the variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole

Question 2

Distinguish between species diversity, habitat diversity and genetic diversity.

Answer 2

• Species diversity refers to the number and abundance of different species in a given area.
• Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within a population or species.
• Habitat diversity refers to the range of different habitats or ecosystems within a particular region.

Question 3

Define species diversity and explain how it is composed of richness and evenness.

Answer 3

The variety of species per unit area. This includes both the number of species present and their relative abundance.

Two Variables:
- The number of different species (richness)
- Their relative proportions (evenness)

Question 4

Explain how species diversity is indicative of general biodiversity.

Answer 4

Species diversity is often used as an indicator of general biodiversity because a higher number of species generally indicates a healthier and more diverse ecosystem.

Question 5

Define genetic diversity and explain why it is important to the survival of a species.

Answer 5

Genetic diversity is important for the survival of a species because it allows for adaptation and resilience to changing environmental conditions.

Question 6

Define habitat diversity.

Answer 6

Habitat diversity refers to the variety of different habitats within a specific area, which can include forests, wetlands, grasslands, and more.

Question 7

Explain how species diversity, habitat diversity and genetic diversity are interlinked.

Answer 7

Species diversity, habitat diversity, and genetic diversity are interlinked because each component relies on the others for its existence and stability. Changes in one aspect can have cascading effects on the others.

Question 8

Assess the impact of human activity on the biodiversity of an area over time.

Answer 8

Human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, have a significant impact on the biodiversity of an area over time, often leading to species extinction and ecosystem degradation.

Question 9

Discuss the effectiveness of using diversity indices to understand and conserve ecosystems.

Answer 9

Diversity indices are useful tools for understanding and conserving ecosystems. They provide a quantitative measure of biodiversity and can help identify areas of high conservation value or track changes over time.

Question 10

Demonstrate how the quantification of biodiversity can assist in the identification of appropriate conservation measures.

Answer 10

Quantifying biodiversity through diversity indices can assist in identifying appropriate conservation measures by highlighting areas or species that are particularly vulnerable or in need of protection.

Question 11

Apply/calculate diversity indices.

Answer 11

D = N(N – 1)
Σn(n – 1)

D= Simpson Diversity Index
N= population of all species
n= population of species