UNIT 7 ck12’s 6.24-6.25 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What does biodiversity refer to?
The variety of life and its processes, including living organisms, genetic differences, and ecosystems.
As of 2021, how many species have scientists estimated to be identified?
Nearly 2 million species or more.
What is a common practice among scientists regarding species classification?
Reclassification of already-known species as DNA sequencing becomes more accessible.
How many kingdoms of life are organisms divided into?
Six kingdoms.
What is the estimated range of total species that may exist on our planet?
Estimates range from 3 million to 100 million.
Who is often considered the father of modern ecology?
Aldo Leopold
Aldo Leopold is recognized for his significant contributions to the field of ecology.
What is biodiversity?
The many different kinds (diversity) of life (bio-)
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life forms on Earth.
What is the first measure of life’s variation?
Species diversity
Species diversity refers to the number of different species in a particular ecosystem or on Earth.
What does genetic diversity refer to?
Differences among individuals or populations within a species
Genetic diversity is important for the adaptability and resilience of species.
What does ecosystem diversity describe?
The many types of functional units formed by living communities interacting with their environments
Ecosystem diversity includes various ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, and aquatic systems.
Which level of diversity is usually referred to as biodiversity?
Species diversity
Although all three levels of diversity are important, species diversity is the most commonly referenced.
Why is biodiversity important?
Human beings benefit in many ways from biodiversity.
What are the direct economic benefits of biodiversity?
The diversity of species provides humans with a wide range of economic benefits.
What role do wild plants and animals play in genetic variation?
Wild plants and animals maintain a valuable pool of genetic variation, important due to the genetic uniformity of domestic species.
Why is genetic variation important for domestic species?
Genetic uniformity puts domestic species at great risk of dying out due to disease.
What products do other organisms provide to humans?
Timber, fibers, adhesives, dyes, and rubber are just a few products.
What warning can certain species provide us?
Certain species may warn us of toxins in the environment.
What example illustrates a species warning us of environmental dangers?
The peregrine falcon nearly went extinct and warned us of the dangers of DDT.
What percentage of important prescription drugs come from wild species?
More than half of the most important prescription drugs come from wild species.
How many species have been studied for their medical potential?
Only a fraction of species have yet been studied for their medical potential.
What inspiration do living things provide for engineering and technology?
Living things provide inspiration for inventions, such as velcro tape inspired by the spiny seeds of the burdock plant.
Fill in the blank: More than half of the most important _______ come from wild species.
prescription drugs
What is the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity?
Biodiversity generally increases the productivity and stability of ecosystems
How does biodiversity help ecosystems adapt to environmental change?
It helps ensure that at least some species will survive environmental change
