Biodiverse + Nat Res

• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of living organisms
• How is biodiversity currently being threatened?

  By human activity such as deforestation
• What are the two main measures of biodiversity?

  • Species richness: number of different species
  • Genetic diversity: genetic variation in a species
• How is species richness defined?

  The number of different species in a habitat
• What does genetic diversity measure?

  The genetic variation in a particular species
• What is the heterozygosity index formula?

  H = number of heterozygotes / total individuals
• How can biodiversity be compared between different habitats?

  Using the index of diversity (D):

  • D = Diversity index
  • N = total number of organisms
  • n = total number of organisms of each species
• What is endemism?

  Species unique to a geographic location
• What is an ecological niche?

  A species' role within the community
• What happens when species share the same niche?

  They compete for resources
• What is the basis of natural selection?

  Better adapted species survive and reproduce
• What are the three types of adaptations organisms can have?

  • Anatomical adaptations: physical changes
  • Behavioural adaptations: changes in behavior
  • Physiological adaptations: internal processes
• What is the process of natural selection?

  Fitter individuals survive and pass alleles
• What does evolution refer to?

  Changes in allele frequency over time
• What are the steps of evolution via natural selection?

  1. Variety of phenotypes exists
  2. Environmental change occurs
  3. Selection pressure changes
  4. Advantageous alleles allow survival
  5. Alleles are passed to offspring
  6. Allele frequency changes over time
• What does the Hardy-Weinberg equation estimate?

  The frequency of alleles in a population
• What does 'p' represent in the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

  The frequency of the dominant allele
• What is the equation for a population in genetic equilibrium?

  p + q = 1.0
• What are the conditions for the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

  No mutations, random mating, large population
• What is speciation?

  • Formation of new species
  • Occurs due to reproductive isolation
  • Accumulation of genetic differences over time
• What are the two types of speciation?

  Allopatric and sympatric speciation
• What is the five-kingdom model of classification?

  • Animals
  • Plants
  • Fungi
  • Protists
  • Monera
• What is the binomial system of naming species?

  Genus name followed by species name
• What is molecular phylogeny?

  Analysis of molecular differences for relationships
• What are the three domains in the Three-Domain model of classification?

  • Bacteria
  • Archaea
  • Eukaryota
• How does the scientific community evaluate data?

  • Published in scientific journals
  • Presented at conferences
  • Undergoes peer review
• What are the unique structures found in plant cells?

  • Cell wall
  • Plasmodesmata
  • Chloroplasts
  • Amyloplasts
  • Vacuole
• What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

  Provides structure and support
• What are chloroplasts responsible for?

  Site of photosynthesis in plant cells
• What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

  Contains cell sap and provides support
• What are the types of saccharides in carbohydrates?

  • Monosaccharides
  • Disaccharides
  • Polysaccharides
• How are glycosidic bonds formed?

  Through condensation reactions between saccharides
• What is cellulose made of?

  Long chains of beta glucose
• What do xylem vessels transport?

  Water and minerals in plants
• What is the function of phloem vessels?

  Translocates food substances from leaves
• What are the uses of plant fibers?

  • Sustainable and renewable resource
  • Biodegradable products
  • Strong materials for ropes and fabrics
  • Cheaper production than oil-based products
  • Starch for bioplastics and bioethanol
• What is the role of water in plants?

  Photosynthesis, rigidity, transport, thermoregulation
• Why are magnesium ions important for plants?

  Involved in chlorophyll production
• What do nitrate ions supply for plants?

  Nitrogen for DNA, RNA, proteins
• What is the role of calcium ions in plants?

  Component of cell wall and growth