Biodiversity

• What are the three different measures of biodiversity?

  Species diversity, genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity
• What does species diversity refer to?

  Number of different species and individuals
• What is genetic diversity?

  Variety of genes among individuals of one species
• What does ecosystem diversity measure?

  Range of different habitats in an area
• What is species richness?

  Number of different species in an area
• Why is biodiversity important?

  It describes a range of habitats
• What is a concern regarding biodiversity?

  High biodiversity decreasing over time
• What human activity is mentioned as reducing biodiversity?

  Farming practices
• What is one farming practice that reduces biodiversity?

  Destruction of hedgerows
• What does selective breeding do to biodiversity?

  Narrows down the gene pool
• What is monoculture?

  Growing one plant species in a field
• How does overgrazing affect biodiversity?

  Reduces plants and affects food webs
• What is a compromise in farming practices?

  Balancing farming needs and biodiversity conservation
• What is the index of diversity used for?

  To measure biodiversity changes
• How does the index of diversity differ from species richness?

  It includes the number of individuals per species
• What is Simpsons index of diversity used for?

  Calculating biodiversity
• What does capital N represent in the index of diversity formula?

  Total number of organisms of all species
• What does lowercase n represent in the index of diversity formula?

  Population size of one species
• What is the lowest value you can get in the index of diversity?

  One
• What does a larger index of diversity value indicate?

  Greater species diversity
• What is the typical range for the index of diversity?

  Between three and six
• If species A has 25 individuals, what is the calculation for the numerator in the index of diversity?

  25 times 24
• What is the denominator in the index of diversity calculation?

  Sum of N times (n - 1)
• What are the common farming practices that reduce biodiversity?

  • Destruction of hedgerows
  • Selective breeding
  • Monoculture
  • Overgrazing
  • Draining wetlands
• What compromises can be made in farming to conserve biodiversity?

  • Limit hedgerow removal
  • Selective breeding in specific areas
  • Implement crop rotations
  • Grow diverse species in sections
• What components of the index of diversity formula must be remembered for the exam?

  • Capital N: Total organisms of all species
  • Lowercase n: Population size of one species