What is biodiversity?
The sum total of life forms on earth.
What are the 5 main drivers of biodiversity loss?
- Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation 2. Climate Change 3. Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution 4. Over exploitation and unsustainable use 5. Invasive species
What are the three characteristics of a biodiversity hotspot?
- Must contain atleast 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemic. - Must have lost 70% of it original habitat
What are the three domains of life? and what are their positions on the phylogenic tree?
What is endemism?
Species that are only found in one geographical region.
What is an endemic species?
A species that is often found in geographically isolated areas. ie. Kangaroo or Kiwi.
What is a native species?
A species present in an area through natural processes.
What is an introduced(exotic or invasive) speices?
A species present in an area due to human introduction.
What is ecosystem diversity?
Communties of organisms and the physical environment around them (abiotic) including functionl traits (ie. nutrient and nitrogen cycling) For example the human body hosts a large number of parasites and actinobacteria.
