3.3 biodiversity

• what is biodiversity?


  variety of living organisms in an environment
• what is species richness?

  number of different species in a community. at one time
• how to calculate diversity index? what does it show?

  higher the index, more species diversity

  
• strength of calculating diversity index?

  calculates the total number of species and the individuals in a community

  accounts for population - as population varies
• what is an allele?

  • different forms of a gene.
  • found on a locus
• what is a genetic locus?

  • position of allele on a chromosome
• what is genetic diversity?

  • variety of an allele in a gene pool
• why should you maintain biodiversity?

  • to increase the gene pool
  • for ecotourism opportunities - make money
  • sources for medicines
• what is conservation?

  • preserving habitats and using resources sustainably to maintain a habitat
• ethical and economical reasons for conservation?

  ethical

  • for the next generation
  • avoids global warming
  • for recreation and leisure

  economical

  • to stabilise soil
  • for goods e.g timber and medicine
• what is the process of storing seeds in seed banks?

  • assess their viability
  • sterilise seeds
  • dry them
  • store at a low temperature
  • check viability often
• advantage of storing seeds in seed banks?

  • takes up less space
  • doesn't require maintenance
  • seeds are saved for a long time
• conditions of storing seeds in seed banks? why?

  • dry
  • low temperature
  • abiotic

  to reduce enzyme activity and prevent seed germination
• what is in-situ conservation?

  • protecting natural habitats and areas(national parks)
  • education programmes (provide information)
• what is ex-situ conservation?

  • zoos - which breed endangered species)
  • seed banks - which viably store seeds for later use
• strengths/weaknesses for in situ conservation

  strengths

  • popular tourists spots - generate income
  • cheap
  • require few resources
  • less interbreeding
  • more space
  • other species also conserved

  weaknesses

  • hard to enforce legislation
• strengths/weaknesses for ex-situ conservation

  strengths

  • little space required
  • no poachers
  • generates income - tourism
  • longer life expectancy

  weaknesses

  • can't create natural habitat
  • reduces genetic diversity