Environmental Science Unit 3 and 4

VCE Unit 3 and 4

What is the definition of biodiversity?

is defined as the variety of all living things, including the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems. It encompasses all plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, along with the ecological processes and interactions they form

What is the definition of genetic diversity?

the variation in genes within a species, representing the total number of genetic characteristics (alleles) present among individuals in a population.

What is genetics?

refers to the study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation, specifically how traits are passed from parents to offspring through DNA

What is the definition of species?

a group of organisms that can interbreed in nature to produce fertile, viable offspring

what is the definition of ecosystem?

is defined as a dynamic, functional unit consisting of a community of living organisms (biotic components) interacting with each other and their non-living physical environment (abiotic components) in a specific geographic area.

what is the definition of biotic

any living, once-living, or organic component within an environment or ecosystem. It encompasses all living organisms—including plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria—as well as their waste products, interactions, and remains. These factors are key to ecosystem function, acting as producers, consumers, or decomposers

what is the definition of abiotic

refers to the non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem that affect living organisms and the functioning of the environment. These factors include elements such as water, sunlight, soil, temperature, and atmospheric gases, which are never alive or not composed of living matter

what is the importance of genetic diversity within a species or population experiencing environmental change

Genetic diversity is the fundamental component of biodiversity that allows a species or population to survive, adapt, and evolve in response to changing environmental conditions. It provides the "raw material" for natural selection, ensuring that not all individuals are equally susceptible to new stressors, such as climate change, new diseases, or habitat alteration

what is the definition of provisioning services

as the tangible, consumable, or extractable goods and products that humans obtain directly from ecosystems to sustain life and well-being

what is the definition of regulating services

are defined as the benefits humans obtain from the functional, ongoing processes of ecosystems that moderate or control natural phenomena. They maintain environmental conditions that make life possible and sustainable, such as stable climates, clean air, and water purification

what is the definition of supporting services

are the essential, foundational ecological processes that underpin all other ecosystem services, ensuring ecosystem integrity and functionality. They differ from other services by having indirect, long-term impacts on humans rather than immediate, direct benefit.

what is the definition of cultural services

the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences. These services are essential for human well-being and are derived from nature, supporting biodiversity, mental health, and social relations.

What are some example of cultural services

aesthetic values

recreational benefits

sense of place

What are some example of supporting services

 maintain conditions for life on Earth

cycling of nutrients

soil formation

photosynthesis

What are some example of regulating services

control of climate and disease

pollination

water purification

What are some example of provisioning services

potable water

food

fuel

fibre

pharmaceuticals

What are the four services of the ecosystem

provisioning

regulating

supporting

cultural

what is the definition of mass extinction

A mass extinction, within the context of VCE Environmental Science, is defined as a widespread, rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, where a large proportion of species—typically 75% or more—disappears across many groups of organisms within a relatively short geological period

what is the definition of species diversification

the variety and abundance of different species within a particular ecosystem or habitat.