Unit 3 Topic 1

Question 1

Define Biodiversity

Answer 1

the variability among living organisms from all sources (terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems) and the ecological
complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems

Question 2

Define Species

Answer 2

group of organisms that differ from all other groups of organisms that are capable of breeding and producing fertile
offspring

Question 3

Define Ecosystem

Answer 3

all the organisms of multiple species interacting with each
other + abiotic factors in an area

Question 4

Define Community

Answer 4

all the organisms of multiple species interacting with each other in a defined area

Question 5

Define Population

Answer 5

a group of organisms of the same species

Question 6

Define Organism

Answer 6

an individual plant or animal

Question 7

Importance of Biodiversity

Answer 7

• Maintains the effective functioning of ecosystems
• Provides genetic diversity which can act ac as a buffer against catastrophic change
• Enables the gene base of hybrid domestic species to be refreshed
• Provides a reservoir of species for the recolonization of degraded land
• Provide beneficial future technologies

Question 8

Spatial Scale

Answer 8

Spatial scales ranges from the individual to global whereas temporal
scale ranges from hours to millennia.

Question 9

Temporal Scale

Answer 9

a. Population size increase with
increasing temporal scale and decreases with increasing spatial
scale

Question 10

Competition

Answer 10

rivalry between different organism for a specific resource (- -)

Question 11

Symbiosis

Answer 11

2 species of organisms interact with each other in a close relationship over a long period. Can be mutualism, cooperation, commensalism, amensalism or parasitism. (+ o/-)

Question 12

Mutualism

Answer 12

organism provide resources or services for each other that is mutually beneficial (+ +)

Question 13

Parasitism

Answer 13

parasite benefits and the host is harmed.
(+ -)

Question 14

Species Richness

Answer 14

The number of different species present in an area. The larger the sample, the more species are likely to be found.

Question 15

Formula for Species Richness

Answer 15

Formula:
Divide number of species by the number
S= species richness
s= total number of different species in the sample
N= total number of individual organisms in the sample.

Question 16

Relative Species Abundance

Answer 16

Refers to how common or rare a species is relative to other species in a define location or community. It’s the percentage composition of an organisms of a particular kind relative to the total number of organisms in the area

Question 17

Percentage Frequency

Answer 17

Used to describe the amount of each species recorded within a quadrat. It is the probability that a species will be found within a single quadrat.

Question 18

Percentage Cover

Answer 18

subjective way to measure relative species
abundance. It’s the area of the group occupied by ariel part of individual plants of the species examined and counted.