Classification and Biodiversity

Classification

The organisation of organisms into groups.

Biodiversity

A combination of species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Adaptations

Characteristics of an organism that increase its chance of survival.

Morphological adaptation

A structural adaptation, such as camouflage.

Behavioural adaptation

An aspect of behaviour that aids survival, like bird calls.

Competition

The struggle between organisms for limited resources.

Scientific name

A two-word name for an organism, with the first word (genus) capitalized and the second word (species) in lowercase.

Ecosystem diversity

The range of different ecosystems.

Sustainable farming

Practices aimed at maintaining the ecological health of the environment.

Quadrat

A square frame divided into sections used for sampling biodiversity.

Capture-recapture technique

A method for estimating animal populations by capturing, marking, and recapturing individuals.

Alien species

A new species introduced into an ecosystem where it is not naturally found.

Natural selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Endangered species

Species that are at risk of extinction.

Conservation schemes

Plans developed to protect natural environments and the species they contain.

Reforestation

The process of replanting trees in an area that has been deforested.

Ecosystem stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time.

What are organisms classed into?

Groups being:
Plants - flowering and non-flowering

Animals - vertebrate (backbone) and invertebrate (no backbone) ●

Fungi

Protoctists (single celled organisms)

Bacteria

Importance of Classification

● It makes it easier to identify organisms.

● It aids communication between scientists.

Reasons for Competition

● Light

● Food

● Oxygen

● Carbon dioxide

● Water

● Minerals

What is biological control?


A method of controlling pests using natural predators or parasites to reduce their populations.

Formula for estimating population in capture-recapture

_{N = ( M x C ) / R}

Capture Recapture Technique Method

1. Capture individuals of one species

2. Mark captured individuals

3. Release them back

4. Recapture individuals after time

5. Count marked individuals

6. Estimate total population

Examples of Conversation Schemes

• Protection of endangered species

• Conservation schemes for ecosystems

• Reforestation

• Sustainable farming practices

• Minimizing greenhouse gas production

• Legislation for species and habitat protection

• Seed banks