Biogeography Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is biogeography?
The study of spatial patterns in biological function and diversity.
Core question: Which organisms are where, and why?
Why is it important to study biogeography?
- Organisms are foundational to Earth’s systems
- Explains spatial resource distribution
- Essential for conservation and human well-being
- Aids adaptation to environmental change
What are global biodiversity patterns?
Biodiversity is unevenly distributed; hotspots align with areas of high conservation need and often overlap with cultural diversity.
Example: mammal species distribution
How does biogeography relate to disease?
Ecological data predicts disease risks, such as Zika, and climate change threatens 15–37% of species by 2050.
What is the significance of the Wollemi Pine?
A ‘living fossil’ that represents a unique aspect of biogeography.
What are some examples of invasive species?
- Argentine ants in NZ (~1990)
- Wallabies in South Island
What are potential careers in biogeography?
- Councils
- Consultancies
- Crown Research Institutes
- Government agencies
What does the Te ao mārama framework include?
- Whakapapa: interconnectedness
- Kaitiakitanga: guardianship
- Mauri: life force
- Taonga: treasured resources/species
What is the Linnaean System of taxonomy?
Hierarchy: Order → Family → Genus → Species.
Example: Metrosideros spp.
What are the main types of species niches?
- Fundamental Niche: Conditions for survival without biotic constraints
- Realised Niche: Subset where species exist considering interactions
What is the difference between fundamental and realised niches?
Fundamental niche is determined through lab/field experiments, while realised niche is identified using occurrence data and environmental overlays.
What are the criteria for the IUCN Red List?
- Extent of Occurrence (EOO)
- Area of Occupancy (AOO)
What are the types of species ranges?
- Cosmopolitan: Widespread
- Disjunct: Isolated populations
- Endemic: Unique to one location
What is an alien species?
A human-introduced species.
What defines an invasive species?
An alien species that spreads rapidly and harms ecosystems.
What is biocultural homogenisation?
Global invasions reduce local biodiversity and uniqueness.
What are the stages of invasion according to Blackburn et al. (2011)?
- Introduction
- Establishment
- Spread
- Impact
What is the significance of Cane Toads in Australia?
They occupy a broader fundamental niche than in their native range and lack natural predators, allowing wider spread.
What is a key takeaway regarding niche models in invasions?
Niche models help understand invasions and realised niches may shift in invaded ranges.
What defines biodiversity?
Variety of life across genes, species, ecosystems, mainly measured as species richness.
What is the estimated number of species according to Mora et al. (2011)?
~8.75 million estimated.
What is the latitudinal gradient in biodiversity?
Richness increases toward the equator.
What are biodiversity hotspots?
Areas with 1,500 endemic plants and >70% habitat loss.
What is the biodiversity situation in New Zealand?
- ~56,000 species known
- ~53% of vascular plants are alien
- ~78% of native plants are endemic
