Biodiversity and classification

• What is the definition of biodiversity?

  The variety of living organisms on Earth
• How can biodiversity be viewed?

  In terms of species, genetic, and ecological diversity
• What does species diversity refer to?

  The number of species in a given area
• What is genetic diversity?

  The range of genetic differences within a species
• What does ecological diversity refer to?

  The number of ecosystems in a given environment
• What is an example of an endemic species in South Africa?

  The Fynbos biome's unique plants
• What is the difference between alien and indigenous species?

  Alien species are not native to an area
• What is endemism?

  The number of species unique to an area
• How do alien species threaten biodiversity?

  They outcompete indigenous species for resources
• What human activities threaten biodiversity?

  Development of suburbs and farming land clearing
• What are the effects of biodiversity loss?

  Collapse of food chains and economic impacts
• What is the role of the IUCN?

  To keep lists of endangered species
• What is classification in biology?

  Sorting and grouping organisms with similar features
• Who introduced the binomial nomenclature system?

  Carolus Linnaeus
• What does binomial nomenclature consist of?

  A genus name and a species name
• What are the Five Kingdoms in classification?

  Bacteria, Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals
• What is the role of autotrophic organisms?

  They make their own food using energy
• What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus
• What are the major characteristics of Archaea?

  Live in extreme environments, unicellular
• What are the characteristics of the Five Kingdoms?

  • Monera: Prokaryotic, unicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic
  • Protista: Eukaryotic, unicellular or multicellular, autotrophic or heterotrophic
  • Fungi: Multicellular, heterotrophic, absorb nutrients
  • Plantae: Multicellular, autotrophic, have chlorophyll
  • Animalia: Multicellular, heterotrophic, no cell walls
• What is the definition of saprotrophic organisms?

  Organisms that feed on dead organic material
• What is the significance of the binomial system in science?

  It provides a universal naming system for organisms
• How does the classification system help scientists?

  It aids in understanding and identifying organisms
• What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

  • Prokaryotic: No defined nucleus, smaller, circular DNA
  • Eukaryotic: Defined nucleus, larger, linear DNA, membrane-bound organelles
• What are the major characteristics of the Three Domain System?

  • Eubacteria: Prokaryotic, unicellular, diverse environments
  • Archaea: Prokaryotic, extremophiles, unicellular
  • Eukarya: Eukaryotic, includes Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
• What are the feeding types in the Five Kingdom classification system?

  • Autotrophic: Makes own food
  • Heterotrophic: Consumes other organisms
  • Saprotrophic: Feeds on dead organic material