Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

ESS > Unit 3: Biodiversity and Conservation > Flashcards

Unit 3: Biodiversity and Conservation Flashcards

1
Q

What is Biodiversity?

A

A measure of the quantity of living diversity per unit area. It includes species, habitat and genetic diversity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is Habitat Diversity?

A

The range of different habitats in an ecosystem or biome.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is Species Diversity?

A

The number of species and abundance of each species that live in a particular location.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Distinguish between Species Richness and Evenness

A

Species richness refers to a measure of the number of different species in an area. Species evenness refers to the relative abundance of the species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is Genetic Diversity?

A

The range of genetic material present in a population of a species or its gene pool.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is a Gene Pool?

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is a Biodiversity Hotspot?

A

A biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is under threat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Give and Example of a Biodiversity Hotspot

A

West African Rainforest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How is Hotspot Biodiversity Measured?

A

1) Species richness
2) Number of endemic species
3) Number of species at risk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is Evolution?

A

The gradual change in genetic characteristics of a population.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How does Evolution link to Biodiversity?

A

Biodiversity arises from evolutionary processes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is Natural Selection?

A

The gradual evolutionary change that results from genetic variation in each generation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Explain the Mechanism of Natural Selection

A

1) Within a population there is genetic variation
2) Some individuals are fitter than others
3) Fitter individuals reproduce more successfully
4) The offspring of fitter individuals inherit the genes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is Speciation?

A

The process by which new species form (which cannot interbreed with the original species).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How doe Natural Selection link to Evolution?

A

Natural selection contributes to the evolution of biodiversity through time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What Factors does Speciation Depend upon?

A
  • Species Isolation
  • Change of environmental conditions
  • Change of gene pool
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the Different Types of Species Isolation?

A
  • Geographical

* Reproductive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is Geographical Isolation?

A

Physical barriers that leads to population becoming separated, leading to speciation. Causes include plate activity and formation of mountains, lakes, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is Reproductive Isolation?

A

Processes that prevent the members of two different species from producing offspring together. Causes include difference in niches, timing, behavior, body/organs, compatibility (sperm and ova).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is Plate Tectonics

A

The movement of the plates of the Earth’s lithosphere.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the Types of Plate Margins?

A

1) Constructive (continental plates separate = new land)
2) Destructive (crust forced beneath another = volcano)
3) Collison (continental plates collide = mountains)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How has Plate Activity influenced Biodiversity and Evolution?

A
  • Mountain ranges are formed = geographical isolation
  • Creates new land = new habitat
  • Continental plates separate = gene pools separate
  • Land bridges = mix of gene pools
  • Movement of plates to new climatic regions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are Mass Extinctions?

A

Periods in the earth’s history when very large numbers of species die out simultaneously or within a short time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Define Extinction

A

The point when a species ceases to exist or the last known individual of the species dies.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Give an Example of an Extinct Species

A

Dodo

26
Q

What is the Background Extinction Rate?

A

The natural extinction rate of all species.

27
Q

What Natural Events contribute to Loss of Diversity?

A
  • Volcanic activity
  • Drought/floods
  • Ice ages
  • Meteor impacts
28
Q

What Human Activities cause Loss of Diversity?

A
  • Agriculture (monoculture, pesticides, GMOs)
  • Habitat degradation (urbanization, deforestation)
  • Introduction of invasive species (alien)
  • Pollution
  • Overhunting, fishing, and harvesting.
29
Q

What should Sustainable Development achieve in LEDCs?

A

Balance between conserving tropical biomes and using the land to provide income (e.g. ecotourism).

30
Q

What are the Factors that make a Species Prone to Extinction?

A
  • Small population size or limited distribution
  • High degree of specialization (diet + niche)
  • Slow reproductive rate
  • Low reproductive potential
  • Non-competitive behavior
  • High trophic level (accumulates toxins)
  • Long/complex migration routes
  • Habitat under threat
  • Human pressure from hunting
31
Q

Give two examples of Species Prone to Extinction and Why

A
  • Giant panda (only bamboo + low rep.)

* Sumatran rhino (hunting)

32
Q

What is the IUCN?

A

International union for conservation of nature; assesses the conservation status of species globally.

33
Q

What is the Red List?

A

Worldwide conservation status listing and ranking system.

34
Q

What are the Rankings of the Red List?

A

1) Least concern
2) Near threatened
3) Vulnerable
4) Endangered
5) Critically endangered
6) Extinct in the wild
7) Extinct

35
Q

Give an Example of a Critically Endangered Species

A

Sumatran Tiger

36
Q

Give an Example of a Species saved from Extinction

A

Arabian Oryx: saved through captive-breeding and anti-poaching regulations after its reintroduction.

37
Q

Give an Example of a Natural Area under Threat

A 
Madagascar; has been endangered by:
• Deforestation
• Agricultural fires
• Erosion and soil degradation
• Hunting and collection of species
• Introduction of alien species
• Mining
38
Q

Why are Tropical Rainforests Vulnerable to Destruction?

A
  • High biodiversity (affects many species)
  • Species are endemic
  • Nutrient-poor soil (thin and easily eroded)
39
Q

What are the Arguments to Preserve Biodiversity?

A
  • Ethical reasons
  • Aesthetic value
  • Economic value (natural capital)
  • Ecological value (function in ecosystem)
  • Natural services
40
Q

What are Governmental Organizations?

A

Groups that follow the policies of one or more governments and are funded by them,.

41
Q

What are non-Governmental Organizations?

A

Groups that are funded by individuals or independent groups.

42
Q

What are Intergovernmental Organizations?

A

Groups that are established through international agreements bringing together governments.

43
Q

Give an Example of a Governmental Organization

A

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

44
Q

Give and Example of a non-Governmental Organization

A

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

45
Q

Give an Example of an International Convention on Biodiversity

A

UN Earth Summit Rio +20

46
Q

What Approaches can be Taken for Conservation?

A
  • Conservation of habitat
  • Protection of species
  • Combined approach
47
Q

What is the Criteria for Designing a Conservation Area?

A

1) Size: larger space allows more species/gene pool
2) Shape: round shape better (less edge effect)
3) Edge effect: less is better (less influence from out)
4) Corridors: more biodiversity but dangerous
5) Proximity: better close to other zones than isolated

48
Q

What is a Buffer Zone?

A

Semi-protected areas surrounding a nature reserve. Their purpose is to minimise outside influences + limit the spread of disease outside of reserve.

49
Q

What is a Species-Based Approach to Conservation?

A

Focuses on vulnerable species and in raising their profile.

50
Q

What are Keystone Species? (+ Example)

A

Species that are essential for the functioning of the ecosystem and in protecting the integrity of the food web. E.g. fig trees in the tropical rainforest.

51
Q

What are Flagship/Charismatic Species? (+ Example)

A

Species that catch public attention (nationally and internationally). E.g. Bengal tiger

52
Q

What is the CITES?

A

Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species: an international agreement aimed at preventing trade in endangered species of plants and animals.

53
Q

What are the Advantages of CITES?

A
  • Trade in species has been reduced
  • Permits and licenses are required to trade
  • Raised awareness on endangered species
54
Q

What are the Disadvantages of CITES?

A
  • Agreement is voluntary
  • Penalties may be less than trade profit
  • Not all countries can enforce laws effectively
55
Q

Give Examples of Species-based Conservation

A
  • Zoos
  • CITES
  • Captive breeding
56
Q

Explain Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Programmes

A

Approach usually carried out by zoos: a small population is obtained from the wild, enclosures are made similar to their habitat niches, breeding may be assisted through artificial insemination.

57
Q

What are the Advantages of Captive Breeding?

A
  • Populations can grow quickly
  • Reduced competition (abundant food)
  • Species are protected from predators and diseases
58
Q

What are the Disadvantages of Captive Breeding?

A
  • Do not conserve natural habitat
  • Not all species breed easily
  • Difficult to maintain genetic diversity
  • Released animals may be easy targets
  • Imbalanced conservation (charismatic species)
  • Expensive
59
Q

What are the Advantages of Zoos?

A
  • Increase/allow education
  • Genetic monitoring + captive breeding programs
  • More offspring survive to adulthood
  • Preservers species until habitat is restored.
60
Q

What are the Disadvantages of Zoos?

A
  • Ethical arguments
  • Some zoos are poorly managed (expensive)
  • Zoo animals may be unable to adapt to the wild
  • Imbalanced on charismatic species
  • Does not consider preserving habitat
61
Q

What is a Mixed Approach to Conservation?

A

Combining protected areas and captive breeding/zoo programs for conservation.

ESS (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions