1 biodiversity

• 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
  • Genetic diversity
• What does species richness refer to?

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

  A measure of genetic variation in a species
• How is the heterozygosity index calculated?

  H = number of heterozygotes / total individuals
• What is the index of diversity (D)?

  • D = Diversity index
  • N = total number of organisms
  • n = total number of organisms of each species
  • Σ = the sum of
• What does endemism mean?

  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, and better-adapted species survive
• What is the basis of natural selection?

  Better adapted species survive and reproduce
• What are anatomical adaptations?

  Physical adaptations, either external or internal
• What is the process of natural selection?

  Fitter individuals survive and pass on alleles
• What is evolution?

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

  1. Variety of phenotypes exist
  2. Environmental change occurs
  3. Selection pressure changes
  4. Advantageous alleles allow survival
  5. Alleles passed to offspring
  6. Frequency of alleles 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 conditions must be met for the Hardy-Weinberg Equation to hold?

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

  Formation of new species due to isolation
• 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?

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

  • Findings published in scientific journals
  • Presented at scientific conferences
  • Evidence studied in peer review
• What type of cells are plant cells?

  Eukaryotic cells with a nucleus
• What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

  Provides structure and support
• What is plasmodesmata?

  Extension of cytoplasm between cells
• What is the role of chloroplasts?

  Site of photosynthesis in plant cells
• What do amyloplasts contain?

  Amylopectin (starch)
• What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

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

  • Monosaccharides
  • Disaccharides
  • Polysaccharides
• 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?

  Translocation of food substances
• What do cambium cells do?

  Specialize as the plant grows
• What is the role of sclerenchyma fibres?

  Provide structural support in plants
• What do parenchyma cells act as?

  Packing between other cells and vessels
• What are the benefits of plant fibres?

  • Sustainable and renewable resource
  • Biodegradable materials
  • Very strong for making products
  • Cheaper production than oil-based products
  • Starch for bioplastics and bioethanol
• Why is water important for plants?

  For photosynthesis and structural rigidity