Unit 1 - Topic 1 Flashcards
Variations
Differences in characteristics of organisms caused by genetic and environmental factors
Biological diversity
The number and variety of organisms in an area
Species
A group of organisms that share similar genetic and lhysicqk characteristics
What can species do together
Generally these organisms can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Speciation
Evolution of different species from a single ancestor
Structural adaptation
Inherited physical characteristics that helps an organism survive in its environment
Behavioural adaptation
Inherited characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment
Diversity index
Measure of biological diversity in area
How diversity index is calculated
By dividing number of runs in walk-through area by total number of specimens
Variations found in
All pops or groups of similar living things
Portmanteau word
Words merged together
E.g.
biological diversity = biodiversity
Biological magnification = biomagnification
Decision to eliminate species
Effects ppl in positive and negative ways
Medicines come from
Biological sources
Pacific yew tree
Source of Taxol
Cancer-fighting chemical
Taxol
Cancer-fighting chemical
Pacific yew tree used to be
Burned as trash
Studies suggest
When several dif types of plants grow in area, interactions among them promote growth
Importance of biological diversity
Important for health and survival of natural communities
Organisms grouped together if
Interbreed in nature
Offspring able to breed
Similar in appearance
Organisms of same species
Always be … within species
Variation
Biologists have difficulty
Deciding if 2 groups of organisms belong to same species
Can be … of variation within species
Great deal
Flora
All of plant life in region
