Biodiversity Flashcards

Question

Where might genetic diversity be low?

Answer 1

In isolated populations | zoos

Answer 2

If genetic diversity is low, they might not be able to change and adapt to the environment so they could be easily wiped out by a single change.

Answer 3

A locus that has two or more alleles.

Answer 4

Genetic diversity can be estimated by calculating the number of loci in one individual that are heterozygous. Proportion of polymorphic gene loci = number of polymorphic gene loci/ total number of loci

Answer 5

Human population growth Agriculture Climate change Extinction

Answer 6

Habitat loss - human development is destroying habitats which decreases habitat diversity Over exploitation - greater demand for resources means they are being used up faster than they can be replenished E.g industrial fishing could cause extinction which decreases genetic diversity and species diversity Urbanisation - cities and road developments can isolate species so populations are unable to interbreed which decreases the genetic diversity Pollution - pollutants can kill species and destroy habitats which decreases biodiversity

Answer 7

- Habitats are lost as land is cleared for fields which reduces habitat diversity - local and naturally occurring plants and animals are seen as weeds and pests so are killed, this reduces species diversity - Heritage varieties of crops are lost if they don't make enough money and are no longer planted. This reduces species diversity. - monoculture involves planting crops of just one strain of one species - selective breeding also reduces genetic diversity

Answer 8

Most species need a particular climate to survive. Id there is a change in the climate, this may make an area become uninhabitable. Some species may be forced to migrate causing a change in species distribution and decreasing species diversity in the area they migrated from. If they can't migrate, they may become extinct decreasing the species diversity. Domesticated plants and animals that have been selectively bred will find it difficult to adapt due to lack of variation.

Answer 9

Organisms in an ecosystem are interdependent and rely on each other to survive. The loss of keystone species can have drastic effects. This can disrupt food chains and and nutrient cycles. This will affect the growth of plants and amount of food available to animals.

Answer 10

A species of which many other species depend on. If the keystone species became extinct the ecosystem would change dramatically. They are often predators as they keep the population of their prey in check. Could also be modifiers which maintain the environment needed for an ecosystem such as beavers building dams. Could be hosts which are plants that provide a particular environment.

Answer 11

TO MAINTAIN GENETIC RESOURCES Genetic resources provide us with everyday products such as food, drinks, clothing, drugs, fuels and other materials. They allow us to adapt to changes in the environment. We can use genes from a plant that is resistant to drought to genetically engineer a drought resistant crop.

Answer 12

Impact of food production. To reduce soil depletion. Soils subjected to monoculture become less fertile because the nutrients get used up so agricultural yields decline.

Answer 13

- Regulation of atmosphere and climate - purification and retention of fresh water - formation and fertilisation of soil - recycling of nutrients - detoxification and recycling of wastes - crop pollination - growth of timber, food and fuel - discovery of molecules with potential as medicines

Answer 14

Areas rich in biodiversity provide pleasant, attractive landscapes that people can enjoy. Maintaining biodiversity protects these landscapes. Also attracts tourism (economic advantages)

Answer 15

Involves protecting species in their natural environment. It involves attempting to minimise human impact on the natural environment.

Answer 16

1. Wildlife reserves - habitats and species are protected by restricting urban development, industrial development and farming. 2. Controlling or preventing the introduction of species that threaten local biodiversity. E.g grey squirrels controlled to help reds 3. Protecting habitats - controlling water levels in wetlands and coppicing trees in woodland to allow organisms to continue living in their natural habitat 4. Promoting particular species - by protecting food sources or nesting sites 5. Giving legal protection to endangered species

Answer 17

- Plants and animals conserved in natural environment so less disruptive - permanently protects the biodiversity in the ecosystem - allows management of these areas - both species and habitat are conserved - Larger populations can be protected - can be used for outdoor activities and have economic benefits - facilitates scientific research

Answer 18

- can be difficult to control some factors that threaten a species such as poaching, predators, disease or climate change. - Endangered habitats may be fragmented - Population may have already lost much of its genetic diversity - Conditions that caused the habitat or species to become endangered may still be present

Answer 19

Protecting a species by removing part of the population from a threatened habitat and placing it in a new location

Answer 20

1. Relocating an organism to a safer area 2. Breeding organisms in captivity then releasing them back into the wild when they are strong enough again, this is carried out in zoos or animal sanctuaries 3. Botanic gardens are controlled environments used to grow rare species of plants for conservation, education, research and display. Endangered/extinct plants can be reintroduced into the wild 4. Seed banks - seeds can be frozen and stored and remain viable for a long time. Provide a useful source of seeds if natural reserves are destroyed.

Answer 21

- protection from predation and poaching - health of individuals can be monitored and medical help given when required - genetic diversity can be measured and selective breeding can increase genetic diversity - IVF can increase reproduction chances - Can be bred to increase numbers

Answer 22

- usually only a small number of individuals can be cared for - likely to have limited genetic diversity - living outside natural habitat - can be difficult and expensive to sustain the correct environment for survival - less likely to behave normally, reproduction could be difficult - more likely to catch diseases - when released to wild, many will find it difficult to adapt

Answer 23

- as seeds are produced in large numbers, they an be collected from wild without disturbing ecosystem or the wild population - seeds can be stored and germinated in protected environments - seeds can be stored in large numbers without occupying a lot of space - plants can often breed asexually

Answer 24

Aims to develop international strategies on the conservation of biodiversity and how to use animal and plant resources in a sustainable way. Made it part of international law that conserving biodiversity is everyone's responsibility. Provides guidance to governments on how to conserve biodiversity.

Answer 25

Increase international cooperation in regulating trade of plant and animal specimens. Member countries make it illegal to kill endangered species. Limits trade by licencing and making it illegal to trade products from endangered animals. Raises awareness of threats to biodiversity by education.

Answer 26

Local conservation to protect areas in the UK Aims to conserve wildlife and biodiversity and to improve and extend wildlife habitats by promoting specific management techniques. Aims to enhance restore and recreate targeted landscapes, their wildlife habitats and historical features. Aims to improve opportunities for public access.

Biodiversity Flashcards

(50 cards)