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Biology Module 4 > Topic 4.2 Biodiversity > Flashcards

Topic 4.2 Biodiversity Flashcards

(63 cards)

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1
Q

Define Biodiversity

A

Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms present in an area. it includes plants, animals, fungi, and other living things

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2
Q

What are the three levels at which biodiversity can be studied?

A

Habitat biodiversity, species biodiversity, and genetic biodiversity

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3
Q

What is habitat biodiversity?

A

Habitat biodiversity refers to the number of different habitats found within an area

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4
Q

How does habitat biodiversity affect species biodiversity?

A

The greater the habitat diversity, the greater the species biodiversity will be within that area

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5
Q

Give examples of habitats that contribute the UK’s large biodiversity

A

Meadow, woodland, streams, and dunes

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6
Q

What is species richness

A

The number of different species living in a particular area

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6
Q

Name the two components of species biodiversity

A

Species richness and species evenness

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7
Q

What is species evenness

A

A comparison of the numbers of individuals of each species living in a community

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8
Q

How can two areas with the same number of species differ in biodiversity?

A

The can differ in species biodiversity due to differences in species evenness

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9
Q

What combination results in high species biodiversity?

A

High species richness and evenness

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10
Q

What reduces overall biodiversity even if richness is high?

A

Low evenness

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11
Q

What is genetic diversity?

A

Genetic biodiversity refers to the variety of genes that make up a species

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12
Q

Why is greater genetic biodiversity beneficial?

A

It allows for better adaptation to a changing environment and is more likely to result in individuals who are resistant to disease

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13
Q

Why is sampling used in biodiversity studies?

A

Sampling is used as it is impossible to count every individual in a large habitat. It allows you to estimate population sizes and assess species richness and evenness.

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14
Q

What is random sampling?

A

Random sampling means selecting individuals by chance. Each individual in the population has an equal likelihood of selection

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15
Q

Why is random sampling useful?

A

It reduces bias

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16
Q

How is a random sample chosen?

A

Random number tables or computers can be used, as you have no involvement in deciding

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17
Q

What is non-random sampling?

A

Non-random sampling is an alternative sampling method where the sample is not chosen at random.

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18
Q

Name the three main techniques of non-random sampling

A

Opportunistic sampling
Stratifies sampling
Systematic sampling

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19
Q

What is opportunistic sampling?

A

Opportunistic sampling uses conveniently available organisms and may not be representative of the population

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20
Q

What is stratified sampling?

A

Some populations can be divided into many strata(sub-groups) based on a particular characteristic. A random sample is then taken from each of these sub-groups proportional to its size.

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21
Q

What is systematic sampling?

A

In systematic sampling, different areas within an overall habitat are identified, which are then sampled separately.

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22
Q

What is a line transect?

A

Making a line along the ground between two poles and taking samples at specified points.

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23
Q

What is a belt transect?

A

Making two marked parallel lines, and taking samples from the area between the lines

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24
What are the different sampling techniques?
Pooter Sweep nets Pitfall traps Tree beating Kick sampling
25
What is a pooter used for?
A device used to catch small insects by sucking them into a holding chamber through a tube. A filter prevents the insects from being inhaled.
26
What are sweep nets used for?
Used to catch flying insects in long grass by sweeping the net through vegetation
27
What are pitfall traps and how are they used?
A container sunk into the ground to catch crawling invertebrates. It is covered to protect from rain and left overnight to trap nocturnal species.
27
Explain the tree sampling method.
A method for sampling invertebrates in trees or bushes by placing a sheet underneath and shaking or beating the branches. Dislodged invertebrates fall onto the sheet for collection.
28
What is kick sampling and what is it used for?
Used to study river organisms by kicking the riverbed to disturb them. A net is placed downstream to catch dislodged organisms in the flowing water.
29
How does human population growth affect biodiversity?
As the global population increases, so does the demand for space, food, and resources
30
List four consequences of human population growth on biodiversity.
Habitat loss Overexploitation of species Pollution Fragmentation of habitats
31
What is habitat fragmentation?
Fragmentation of habitats, where continuous habitats are broken into smaller, isolated areas, reducing genetic flow and increasing vulnerability to extinction.
32
What is monoculture?
Monoculture is where only one species of crop is grown over large areas.
33
List four consequences of monoculture on biodiversity.
Reduction in habitat variety Soil depletion Vulnerability to disease Use of pesticides and fertilisers affecting non-target organisms
34
How does a reduction in habitat variety affect biodiversity?
Natural ecosystems are cleared to make neat and uniform fields
34
How does soil depletion affect biodiversity?
Since repeated use of the same land for one crop removes specific nutrients.
35
How does vulnerability to disease affect biodiversity?
As low genetic diversity in crops means pathogens or pets can wipe out entire fields
36
How is biodiversity impacted by climate change?
Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is altering ecosystems globally
37
List two key impacts of climate change on species.
Shifting habitats Loss of suitable climates ranges
38
What are the three main reasons for maintaining biodiversity?
Ecological reasons, economic reasons and aesthetic reasons
39
Explain the ecological reasons for maintaining biodiversity.
Biodiversity ensures the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Different species perform vital roles, and the loss of one can significantly disrupt the balance
39
What are keystone species, and how do they impact ecosystems?
Keystone species are organisms that have a large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. If keystone species are lost, ecosystems may collapse
40
What is interdependence between species, and how does it impact biodiversity?
Interdependence between species means the survival of one often depends on others for food, pollination, shelter, and mating. The loss of a single species can create a domino effect
41
How does maintaining genetic resources affect biodiversity?
Maintaining genetic resources is vital for the long-term survival of species. Genetic diversity provides the raw material for adaptation to changing environments, resistance to diseases, and future breeding or medical research.
42
Give the economic reasons for maintaining biodiversity
Natural ecosystems help regulate climate, purify water, control pests, pollinate, crops, and prevent soil erosion
43
What is the link between soil depletion and biodiversity?
Soil depletion can occur when continuous monoculture removes specific nutrients from the soil, making it less fertile. Crop rotation systems and maintaining biodiversity can help restore soil health.
44
Give three aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity.
The presence of different plants and animals enriches our lives, the natural world inspires people, and patients recover more rapidly when supported by plants and a relatively natural environment.
45
What is In Situ Conservation?
It involves protecting species within their natural habitat, allowing ecological processes to continue, and preserving relationships between organisms.
46
What are marine conservation zones?
They protect areas of the ocean to conserve habitats and species. Human activities may be restricted or managed.
47
What are wildlife reserves?
They are protected areas where native species can live and reproduce under minimal human interference.
47
List three advantages of In Situ Conservation.
- Maintains natural behaviours and interactions - Species evolve in their environment - Less disruptive and more cost effective
48
List two limitations of In Situ Conservation
- Not all habitats can be effectively protected - Some threats (like climate change or invasive species) may persist
49
What is Ex Situ Conservation?
Ex Situ Conservation means removing part of a population or genetic resource from its natural habitat and conserving it in a controlled environment.
50
What is a seed bank and what is its purpose?
They store seeds from wild and cultivated plants in cold, dry conditions. This preserves genetic diversity and acts as a backup in case of species loss in the wild
51
What are botanic gardens used for?
They are used to grow a wide range of plant species for research, education, and conservation.
52
What role do zoos play in conservation?
Zoos breed endangered animals in captivity, help reintroduce species to the wild, and raise public awareness
53
List three advantages of Ex Situ Conservation
- Protection from poaching, disease, and habitat destruction - Useful when species numbers are too low - Facilitates research and education
54
List three limitations of Ex Situ Conservation.
- May not replicate complex environments - Reintroduction can be difficult - Captive populations may suffer reduced genetic diversity
55
What is the purpose of conservation agreements?
Conservation agreements are essential for the protection of endangered species, genetic diversity, and habitats
56
What is CITES and what does it do?
It is a global treaty that regulates the international trade of endangered species to prevent overexploitation. Helps protect around 35,000 species
57
What does CBD promote?
Promotes sustainable development and biodiversity, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources
58
What does the CSS support?
Encourages farmers and landowners to conserve the environment through grants. Supports replating hedgerows, maintaining grasslands, and creating habitats for wildlife

Biology Module 4 (3 decks)

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