Relationships between natural systems

Question 1

What is a pharmacological reason for diversity being important

Answer 1

Plants, animals, microorganisms constitute vast store of chemical compounds- some have medical applications
Many modern medicines derived from plants

Question 2

What is environmental reason for value of biodiversity and ecosystems

Answer 2

Supports fundamental processes and services like pollination, decomposition, water purification, climate regulation

Question 3

What is economic reason for value of biodiversity

Answer 3

contributes to industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism

Question 4

What is cultural reason for value of biodiversity

Answer 4

Plays role in cultural heritage and traditions

Question 5

Are ecosystems rich in diversity more resilient?

Answer 5

Yes- recover more readily from naturally induced stress and habitat degradation

Question 6

T or F- communities with high levels genetic diversity often survive periods of stress (have traits that allow survival developed over millions of years)

Answer 6

T

Question 7

Define utility value and relate to ecosystems

Answer 7

Utility relates to usefulness of something
Utility value of ecosystem= its usefulness in supporting wider functions of Earth’s natural systems

Question 8

Define intrinsic value in relation to ecosystems

Answer 8

Means ecosystems have right to exist irrespective of utility value
- Central to intrinsic value= biophysical environment provides inspirational, aesthetic and spiritual needs of people- wellbeing of people

Question 9

Define heritage value in relation to ecosystems

Answer 9

Natural features consisting of physical and biological formations or groups of such formations, which are of outstanding universal value from aesthetic value or scientific point of view (defined by UNESCO)