T4: Biodiversity & Natural Resources

• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of living organisms.
• How has biodiversity changed over time?

  It has become extensive but is now being threatened by human activity.
• What is species richness?

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

  The genetic variation found in a particular species.
• How can biodiversity within a species be measured?

  By calculating the heterozygosity index.
• What is the formula for the heterozygosity index (H)?

  H = number of heterozygotes / number of individuals in the population.
• What is the index of diversity (D) used for?

  To measure and compare biodiversity between different habitats.
• What does endemism refer to?

  The state of a species being unique to a particular geographic location.
• What is an ecological niche?

  It is the role of a species within the community.
• What happens when species share the same niche?

  They compete with each other, and the better-adapted species will outcompete the other.
• What is the basis of natural selection?

  The idea that better-adapted species survive.
• What are anatomical adaptations?

  Physical adaptations, either external or internal.
• Give an example of a physiological adaptation.

  Regulation of blood flow through the skin.
• What is the process of natural selection?

  Fitter individuals survive and pass on advantageous alleles to future generations.
• What does evolution refer to in the context of natural selection?

  The process by which the frequency of alleles in a gene pool changes over time.
• What is the Hardy-Weinberg Equation used for?

  To estimate the frequency of alleles in a population.
• What does 'p' represent in the Hardy-Weinberg Equation?

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


  p + q = 1.0.
• What are the conditions of the Hardy-Weinberg Equation?

  No mutations, random mating, large population, isolated population, and no selection pressure.
• What is speciation?

  The formation of new species due to the accumulation of different genetic information over time.
• What are the two types of speciation?

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

  A means of organizing life based on relationships between organisms into animals, plants, fungi, protists, and monera.
• What is the binomial system of naming species?

  The first part is the genus and the second part is the species.
• What is molecular phylogeny?

  The analysis of molecular differences in organisms to determine their evolutionary relationships.
• What are the three domains in the Three-Domain model of classification?

  Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota.
• What is the purpose of peer review in the scientific community?

  To study the evidence and evaluate findings published in scientific journals.
• What type of cells are plant cells?

  Eukaryotic cells.
• What is the function of the cell wall in plant cells?

  It provides structure and support, made of cellulose.
• What are plasmodesmata?

  Extensions of cytoplasm between the cell walls of adjacent cells.
• What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

  They are the site of photosynthesis.
• What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

  They contain cell sap and provide strength and support.
• What are carbohydrates composed of?

  Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
• What are the three types of saccharides?

  Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
• How are glycosidic bonds formed?

  Through condensation reactions between saccharides.
• What is cellulose composed of?

  Long, unbranched chains of beta glucose.
• What is the function of xylem vessels?

  To transport water and minerals and provide structural support.
• What are phloem vessels responsible for?

  Translocation of food substances and nutrients from leaves to storage organs.
• What is the role of cambium cells in plants?

  They are undifferentiated and can specialize as the plant grows.
• What do sclerenchyma fibers provide?

  Structural support in plants.
• What are the benefits of plant fibers to humans?

  They are sustainable, biodegradable, strong, and cheaper than oil-based products.