1.1 Understanding Diversity

Question 1

Genetic diversity

Answer 1

the genetic variability among organisms; usually referring to individuals of the same species

Question 2

Biodiversity

Answer 2

refers to the variety of species in an ecosystem but also includes structural diversity within ecosystems and individual variability within species.

Question 3

Heterotroph

Answer 3

an organism that obtains energy-rich nutrients by consuming living or dead organisms

Question 4

Autotroph

Answer 4

an organism that uses sources of energy to produce nutrients from water, gases, and/or minerals

Question 5

Species:

Answer 5

Species: all organisms capable of breeding freely with each other under natural conditions

This is known as the biological species concept.

Many organisms can hybridize or reproduce asexually.

Question 6

Morphology

Answer 6

Is used to determine the different species

We use physical characteristics to differentiate them

Question 7

Evolutionary change

Answer 7

change that occurs in an entire population; usually occurs over a long period of time and over great distances

Question 8

Species interactions: food supply

Answer 8

There are many complex relationships between organisms and their energy supply.

Examples: Whalefall
Photosynthetic mutualisms

Question 9

Species interactions: protection

Answer 9

Species can depend on each other for protection

Hermit crabs use shells from other dead organisms

Sea anemones are worn by crabs as “boxing gloves”

Question 10

Species interactions: transportation

Answer 10

Species (especially seeds) are moved around by willing or unwilling members of different species

A plant with burs (Arctium spp.) was the inspiration for Velcro™

Question 11

Species interactions: reproduction

Answer 11

Many species depend on other species in order to reproduce

Many internal parasites reproduce inside of their host

Question 12

Species interactions: Hygiene

Answer 12

Some species maintain the health of another species

Cleaner shrimp eat parasites from other fish

Question 13

Species interactions: Digestion

Answer 13

Many species of bacteria live inside of digestive tracts (including yours). These are essential for digestion of food

Question 14

The Importance of biodiversity

Answer 14

essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans

Question 15

Why species interactions illustrate the importance of biodiversity

Answer 15

they reveal how different species depend on each other and how their relationships impact the overall health and stability of ecosystems