biodiv pg1 Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is biodiversity?
The combined diversity at all levels of biological organisation, popularised by Edward Wilson
What are the three main types of biodiversity?
Genetic diversity, species diversity, ecological diversity
Define genetic diversity.
Variation in genetic characteristics within a species, such as different strains of rice or medicinal plants
Provide an example of genetic diversity.
Rauwolfia vomitoria shows genetic variation in potency and concentration of reserpine across Himalayan ranges
Define species diversity.
Diversity at the species level within a specific region
Which region has greater amphibian species diversity, Western Ghats or Eastern Ghats?
Western Ghats
Define ecological diversity.
Diversity at the ecosystem level, including various types of ecosystems
Which country has greater ecosystem diversity, India or Norway?
India
How long has it taken to accumulate biodiversity?
Millions of years of evolution
What is the risk to biodiversity if current species loss rates continue?
We could lose all biodiversity wealth in less than two centuries
What is the approximate number of described plant and animal species according to IUCN (2004)?
Slightly more than 1.5 million
Why is it difficult to estimate the total number of species on Earth?
Many species remain undiscovered and estimates vary widely
What is Robert May’s conservative estimate for global species diversity?
About 7 million
Fill in the blank: Biodiversity is vital for our _______.
survival and well-being
True or False: Most species inventories are more complete in tropical countries than in temperate countries.
False
What type of ecosystems does India have, according to the text?
Deserts, rain forests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, alpine meadows
