Module 4: Biodiversity Flashcards
Define genetic diversity.
Diversity of alleles and genes in the genome of species. Although individuals of the same species will have the same genes they will not necessarily have the same alleles for each gene.
What is random sampling?
Sampling sites are selected at random to avoid bias.
- A grid system is set up by laying out two long tape measures along the outer edges of a habitat.
- A random number generator is used to create a set of coordinates for your first quadrat.
- Count the number of your chosen plant species found within this quadrat.
What is non-random sampling?
3 types:
Opportunistic - sampling is carried out on the basis of opportunity. E.g. sample sites that can be reached quickly and safely are chosen.
Stratified - number of random samples taken within each habitat type is proportional to the area covered by each habitat type.
Systematic - samples are taken across a habitat with reference to the changes in habitat conditions. This type of sampling involves the use of transects.
What are sweeping nets?
Large nets used to catch flying insects so they can be counted and identified.
What are pitfall traps?
Jars sunk into the ground so invertebrates fall in and can’t come out again. A canopy ensures the trap doesn’t fill with rainwater.
What are pooters?
Small glass containers with 2 tubes extending from the lid. The first tube is placed over the insect and the second tube is to suck them up.
Difference between line and belt transects?
Line - lay out a measuring tape in a straight line across the sample area. At regular distances along the tape, e.g. every 1 m, record the identity of the organisms that touch the line.
Belt - lay out measuring tape in a straight line across the sample area. Place quadrats at regular intervals, or continuously, along the tape and record the abundance or percentage cover of each species within each quadrat.
What are the limitations of using quadrats?
=> Can only be used for immobile species.
=> Calculating % cover can miss out small insects we can’t see.
Formula for the capture-recapture method.
N = (n1 × n2) ÷ m2
N = population estimate
n1 = number of marked individuals released
n2 = number of individuals in the second sample (marked and unmarked)
m2 = number of marked individuals in the second sample
Define species richness.
The number of species in a given area. This can be misleading as it doesn’t take into account the number of individuals of each species.
Define species evenness.
Relative abundance of different species within a given area.
In situ conservation.
=> Conservation in the natural habitat.
=> National parks and marine parks.
Ex situ conservation.
=> Conservation outside natural habitat.
=> Zoos and botanic gardens.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- The global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
- Assesses the conservation status of animals and plants around the world e.g. critically endangered.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Countries that signed up to this agreed to design and implement strategies for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
- Global agreement signed by over 150 countries.
- Aims to control control the trade of endangered species and their associated products like ivory.
- CITES categorises endangered and vulnerable species into 3 appendices:
Appendix I : species that are endangered and face the greatest risk of extinction (for example, the red panda). all trade in the species and their associated products is banned.
Appendix II: species that are not currently endangered or facing extinction, but will be unless trade is closely controlled (for example, the venus fly trap). trade is only granted if an export permit has been issued by the involved countries.
Appendix III: species included at request of the country that is regulating trade of the species and trying to prevent its overexploitation (for example, the two-toed sloth in Costa Rica). permits are required for regulated trade. Permits are easier to come by for species in this appendix.
However, when the trade of a certain endangered species becomes illegal, its price increases. The increased economic value of the species can be a major incentive for people to break the law.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS).
- Provides funding to farmers who used environmental management strategies to protect and increase the natural biodiversity on their land.
- This scheme was replaced by the Environmental Stewardship Scheme (ESS) in 2005.
- In order for farmers to qualify:
Provide and protect valuable wildlife habitats such as ponds, hedgerows and buffer zones surrounding farmed areas
Ensure their land is managed well, maintaining its traditional character
Protect any natural resources or historic features present on their land
Conserve any traditional crops or livestock present on their land
Provide visitor opportunities so people can learn about the countryside and how important it is in sustaining biodiversity
