IB ESS

Biodiversity

The total diversity of living systems, including species diversity, habitat diversity, and genetic diversity.

Species Diversity

Product of the number of species (richness) and their relative proportions (evenness) in a community.

Diversity Indices

Tools used to describe and compare the diversity of different communities.

Habitat Diversity

The range of different habitats within an ecosystem or biome.

Genetic Diversity

The range of genetic material present within a population of a species.

Conservation Efforts

Initiatives aimed at identifying and protecting areas of high biodiversity.

Natural Selection

The mechanism through which fitter individuals reproduce more successfully, leading to gradual evolution.

Evolution

A gradual change in the genetic character of populations over generations, often driven by natural selection.

Speciation

The formation of new species when populations become isolated and evolve differently.

Mass Extinction Events

Significant occurrences in the geological past that caused widespread extinction and impacted evolution.

Environmental Change

New challenges faced by species that drive the evolution of diversity.

Isolation of Populations

Separation of groups that may lead to different evolutionary paths due to barriers like mountains or climate change.

Climatic Variations

Changes in climate affecting food supply and evolution, influenced by continental distribution.

Biological Variation

Random differences within a population that can affect survival and reproduction.

Tectonic Plate Movements

Movements of Earth's crustal plates that can cause environmental changes and influence evolution.

Fitter Individuals

Members of a population that possess advantageous traits, leading to increased reproductive success.