Biodiversity

Question 1

Biodiversity

Answer 1

the full range of living things in a particular area. It can be described on 3 different levels: genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.

Question 2

Genetic Diversity

Answer 2

biological variation within a species, creating variation in species characteristics which helps with adaptations and a species survival.

Question 3

Species Diversity

Answer 3

the number of different species in a particular area.

Question 4

Ecosystem Diversity

Answer 4

the variety of different habitats, communities and ecological processes in an area. This is seen within biomes worldwide.

Question 5

Biome

Answer 5

group of ecosystems with similar climate and other environmental conditions.

Question 6

Species Richness

Answer 6

the number of species present in a particular area but does not account for the number of individuals of each species.

Question 7

Species Evenness (Relative Species Abundance)

Answer 7

the number of individuals of a particular species in an area, the closer the number of individuals of each species the greater the diversity.

Question 8

Percentage Cover

Answer 8

used to estimate abundance of an organism too difficult to count individually. e.g. ground cover like grass.

Question 9

Percentage Frequency

Answer 9

gives broader view of the abundance of a species in a large area. e.g. forest.

Question 10

Simpsons Diversity Index

Answer 10

SDI is indicator of the probability that two randomly selected individuals from a sample belong to different species. It gives a number between 0 and 1, where 1 is high and 0 is low biodiversity.

Question 11

Types of Ecological Sampling

Answer 11

Random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling.

Question 12

Random Sampling

Answer 12

used in large areas when species appear to be uniformly distributed. Each sample area is placed randomly.

Question 13

Systematic Sampling

Answer 13

used to collect data at fixed intervals, typically along an environmental gradient.

Question 14

Environmental Gradient

Answer 14

A gradual change in an abiotic factor over a distance.

Question 15

Stratified Sampling

Answer 15

used in areas where abiotic and biotic factors vary widely. The area is divided into strata for sampling, where each stratum is a zone with similar characteristics.

Question 16

Sampling Techniques

Answer 16

Quadrats, transects, capture-recapture.

Question 17

Quadrats

Answer 17

usually squares used to determine abundance, and don’t consider environmental gradients.

Question 18

Transects

Answer 18

a narrow section taken straight across and area, along which observations and/or measurements are taken. There are 2 types: line and belt.

Question 19

Line Transect

Answer 19

used to show distributions across a gradient.

Question 20

Belt Transect

Answer 20

used to show abundance and distribution as it measures a greater area than a line transect.

Question 21

Capture-Recapture

Answer 21

used to estimate the size of a population by capturing, marking, and releasing a sample, then recapturing a second sample to see what proportion of the second sample is marked.

Question 22

Strategies to Minimize Sampling Bias

Answer 22

Size and number of samples, random number generator, counting criteria, calibrating equipment and noting associated precision.

Question 23

Size and Number of Samples

Answer 23

the more samples the more likely the data shows the true measurement.

Question 24

Random Number Generator

Answer 24

removes human bias by choosing a random number for quadrants counted and coordinates used.

Question 25

Counting Criteria

Answer 25

setting criteria for counting organisms in quadrats or transects.

Question 26

Calibrating Equipment and Noting Associated Precision.

Answer 26

calibrated equipment allows accurate measurements and noted precision allows measurement uncertainty to be considered.

Question 27

Ecosystem

Answer 27

all living organisms in a particular area and their physical environments.

Question 28

Distribution of Species in an Ecosystems

Answer 28

where an organism is found.

Question 29

Abundance of Species in an Ecosystems

Answer 29

how many organisms of a species are present.

Question 30

Biotic Factors

Answer 30

living organisms and the way they interact. e.g. competition, predation and disease.

Question 31

Competition

Answer 31

species compete for limited resources like food and the stronger species may exclude the other.

Question 32

Predation

Answer 32

predator and prey populations are interdependent, prey abundance limits predator numbers.

Question 33

Disease (Biotic Factor)

Answer 33

outbreaks can reduce populations and shift species dominance.

Question 34

Abiotic Factors

Answer 34

non-living parts of ecosystems. e.g. water availability, shelter and nutrients.

Question 35

Water Availavbility

Answer 35

determines plant distribution and the survival of species depending on water needs.

Question 36

Shelter

Answer 36

availability of physical spaces that provide protection from predators, harsh weather, or environmental stress.

Question 37

Nutrients (Abiotic Factor)

Answer 37

determine soil and water fertility, influencing plant growth, thus impacting food availability.

Question 38

Habitat

Answer 38

the specific location where an organism lives.

Question 39

Microhabitat

Answer 39

a small living space within a larger habitat.

Question 40

Types of the Population Distribution

Answer 40

Random, uniform and clumped.

Question 41

Random Distribution

Answer 41

no predictable pattern, location of one organism does not affect another. e.g. forest.

Question 42

Uniform Distribution

Answer 42

equally spaced apart, presence of one organism determines the closeness of another. e.g. resting gannets.

Question 43

Clumped Distribution

Answer 43

organism is gathered in groups often around a resource. e.g. meerkat families.

Question 44

2 Main Systems Used to Classify Ecosystems

Answer 44

Holdridge life zones and Specht's classification.

Question 45

Holdridge Life Zones

Answer 45

classifies using average annual rainfall, average bio-temperature, and altitude.

Question 46

Specht's Classification

Answer 46

classifies using the structure of vegetation. It uses 2 factors: the height of the tallest layer, and the percentage cover of this layer of foliage. The dominant species may also be used.