3.4.6 Biodiversity within communities

Question 1

what is biodiversity?

Answer 1

The variety of living organisms. It can be measured in terms of species diversity (number of species in a community) ecosystem diversity (range of different habitats) and genetic diversity.

Question 2

define community.

Answer 2

all the different species that live in one area and interact with each other

Question 3

how do you calculate index of diversity?

Answer 3

N(n-1) / sum of n(n-1)
N= total number of organisms of all species
n= total number of organisms of each species

Question 4

what impact does agriculture (farming) have on species diversity?

Answer 4

decreases species richness
- farmland is typically used for only 1 species (monoculture)
- use of pesticides/ herbicides

Question 5

what impact does farming ah e on genetic diversity?

Answer 5

decreases
- farmers select for certain characteristics, which reduces number of different alleles in the population

Question 6

how can biodiversity be increased in areas of agriculture?

Answer 6

1. use hedgerows instead of fences
2. grow different crops in the same area, or rotate crops around after a season.
3. Limit use of pesticides and herbicides