Biodiversity Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of different kinds of living things.
Levels of Biodiversity
Genetic Diversity
Species Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
Genetic Diversity
Greater genetic variation- means more traits for nature to select the ones most beneficial.
Species Diversity
Species variation- more interactions. The more diverse an ecosystem the more it tends to produce.
Ecosystem Diversity
- more habitats
- Greater # of habitats means greater chance of survival if something changes.
Keystone Species
Organism that helps define an ecosystem, without it the ecosystem would cease to exist.
Characteristics that define all living things
- All organisms are made of cells
- All organisms obtain and use energy
- All organisms interact with their environment
- All organisms grow and develop
- All organisms reproduce
- All organisms need water
- All organisms maintain homeostasis
- All organisms can evolve
Taxonomy
Science of; naming, identifying and classifying organisms.
Binomial nomenclature
a system developed for naming a specific species
Levels of Taxonomy Classifications
Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Members of domains are quite diverse. Classification is based on 2 main characteristics…
- Type of Cell
Prokaryotes- cells do not have a nucleus
Eukaryotes- cells have a nucleus- Presence of Peptidoglycan (Sugar in the cell
wall)
- Presence of Peptidoglycan (Sugar in the cell
The three domains
- Archaea
- Bacteria
- Eukarya
Archaea Domain
- Prokaryotes
- Cell walls lack peptidoglycan
Bacteria Domain
- Prokaryotes
- Cell walls contain peptidoglycan
- Genetically unique rRna
Eukaryotes Domain
- Have eukaryotic cells (nucleus)
- Genetically unique rRNA
What are the six kingdoms?
Protista Animalia Fungi Archaebacteria Eubacteria Plantae
How are the organisms classified into the kingdoms?
Cell structure
Mode of nutrition
Reproduction
Cell structure
An organisms cells can have
Cell walls are rigid either made of cellulose or chitin
Cell membrane= flexible
Mode of Nutrition
Autotroph- make own food
Heterotroph- consume other organisms
Decomposer- breaks down dead organisms and their waste
Reproductive STRATEGY
Organisms can reproduce
Asexually- identical offspring
Sexual- partner variation in offspring
Archaebacteria
Prokaryotes unicellular Autotrophs Heterotrophs Asexual
Sub- categories
1. Methanogens Live in oxygen free environments 2. Halophiles Can live in water 10x saltier than the ocean 3. Thermoacidophiles Can survive in extreme heat Found in deep sea vents Most are anaerobic
Eubacteria Kingdom
Prokaryotes All unicellular Auto Hetero Decomposer Asexual and sexual Found everywhere All single celled prokaryotes Have cell walls with peptidoglycan DNA in the from of a ring
What are Endospores?
When conditions are poor small portion of bacteria can become dormant by forming a protective coating