Biodiversity + Climate Change Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is biodiversity?
the variety of all the different species in an ecosystem
What is an ecosystem?
interaction between the community and the non living parts of their environment
why is maintaining biodiversity important?
- provides medicine
- provides food
- protects us from tsunamis (coral reefs)
how do scientists estimate the population size of species in an ecosystem? (2 ways)
they use a quadrat at random places and count the number of species then calculate the average to make the estimation over a larger area
systemic sampling places quadrats at regular intervals along a transect line for abiotic factors
how do we harm animals in an ecosystem?
- hunt animals for meat or rare body parts
- introduce invasive species that out competes/kills indigenous species
how do humans reduce land?
- deforestation for cattle farming and growing crops like biofuel
- building
- waste disposal
- farming
- quarrying: removing rocks, sand and gravel from the ground to use for construction materials
what is peat and what are we doing that harms biodiversity?
peat is formed when dead plant material cannot decay due to acidic and anaerobic conditions.
this is burnt for compost, destroying habitats and releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
estimated population formula
estimated population =
total area / area sampled
x
total number of organisms counted
What resources do animals compete for?
Mates, food, shelter
What resources do plants compete for?
Space, light, water, minerals
How can humans preserve biodiversity?
- Breeding programmes
- Rare habit protection (laws)
- Reducing deforestation
- Recycling resources to reduce landfill waste
What types of pollution are there that could affect biodiversity?
Air pollution - smoke and acidic gases
Land pollution - landfill
Water pollution - sewage, fertilisers and toxic chemicals
What is eutrophication and why is it harmful?
Fertilisers run into bodies of water that cause explosive plant or algae growth (due to rich nutrients) that ultimately result in “dead zones” of water (block out sunlight and prevent photosynthesis)
What is pollution?
Human waste isn’t properly handled and releases harmful waste substances
What is global warming?
What is climate change?
Rise of global temperatures due to GHG
Overall change in weather (global or regional) OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME
What does climate change cause and what are the effects on biodiversity?
Rising sea levels
Melting ice caps
Extreme weather
->
Loss of habitats, changing breeding and migrating patterns
