Unit 2- Section 8 Species Diversity

Question 1

How do you measure diversity?

Answer 1

Easiest way is to count the different species, but that doesn’t take in to account the population size of each species. Species that are in a community in very small numbers shouldn’t be treated the same as those with bigger populations. This is where the index of diversity comes in.

Question 2

What is the index of diversity?

Answer 2

It is a useful way of measuring species diversity, it is calculated using an equation that takes different population sizes into account. The higher the number, the more diverse the area is. If all the individuals are of the same species then the diversity index is 1

Question 3

Define biodiversity

Answer 3

The term biodiversity describes the variety of living organisms and ecosystems on earth, species diversity is a key part of this.

Question 4

Why is biodiversity important?

Answer 4

It is important because it provides us with food, fresh water, oxygen and medicines and the raw materials we need to live. But human activities like farming and deforestation are reducing species diversity causing biodiversity to fall as a result

Question 5

How does deforestation affect biodiversity?

Answer 5

We cut down forests to get wood and create land for farming and settlements, deforestation directly reduces the number of trees and sometimes the number of different tree species. It also destroys habitats so some species can lose their home and food supply. This means that these species will die or have to move to a different habitat further reducing the diversity

Question 6

How can agriculture affect biodiversity?

Answer 6

• wood land clearance results in loss of species diversity
• removing hedges for larger fields kills habitat and food
• pesticides, kill organisms, animals, loss of food source
• herbicides- chemicals that kill unwanted plants so reduced plant diversity also reducing food source
• competition - some crops may be better at competing for certain resources with other plants so reduce plant diversity. Killing habitat and food source for animals

Question 7

Benefits and risks of deforestation

Answer 7

Benefits-
Wood and land for homes to be build
Local areas become more developed by attracting business

Risks-
Diversity is reduced 
Less carbon dioxide is stored by plants 
Less medicine from organisms living in rain forests 
Natural beauty is lost

Question 8

Benefits and risks of agriculture

Answer 8

Benefits- more food can be produced
Food is cheaper to produce
Local areas become more developed by attracting businesses

Risks-
Diversity is reduced
Natural beauty is lost

Question 9

How is diversity data used?

Answer 9

It is used to make formal decisions to help the environment and global warming. Preserving the world for the future

Question 10

What is species diversity?

Answer 10

It is the number of different species and the abundance of each species within a community. The higher the species diversity of plants and trees in an area, the higher the species diversity of insects, animals and birds. This is because there are more habitats and a larger and more varied for source. Diversity can be measured to help us monitor ecosystems and identify areas where is has been dramatically reduced