WACE Yr 11 Study Guide Biology Unit 1.1 Qs+Terms

Classification

Hierarchical system of categorisation using characteristics of the organisms.

Diversity

Biological variety of life on earth ; variation of genetics, species, ecosystems.

Ecosystems

Living community in an area. Biotic and abiotic factors and the interactions of these factors.

Gene

Section of chromosome that codes for protein.

Genetic Characteristic

Trait determined by a gene/multiple genes.

The number of animal species is dependent on the number of plant species. Explain why this is so.

Different plant species generally have other plant species or micro-organisms feeding off them. Greater number of plant species in an ecosystem means there would be a greater number of animal species.

Genetic diversity

Variation within a species; variation of genes and alleles within a population.

Species Diversity

Variation/diversity of species in an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Diversity

Number of naturally occurring ecosystems within an area.

Name the 2 main processes that must 1st be undertaken in order to determine the species diversity in an ecosystem?

1. Sampling.

2. Classification.

One broad definition of biodiversity is “the total number of genes in an ecosystem”. Explain why this definition is useful.

This definition is helpful because it counts both the variety of species and the genetic differences (alleles) within them, providing a clear measure of total biological richness.

Biodiversity is generally greatest in ecosystems near the equator and least in ecosystems. Explain why there is this trend.

Low latitudes (near the Equator) generally have more sunlight contact in comparison to near the poles. There is more biodiversity here as there id greater number of plants (light needed for photosynthesis). Biodiversity is also influenced by soil pH, temperature and sunlight etc.

There are regions on Earth which have unexpectedly high biodiversity. The south-west of Western Australia is one such area. Propose a hypothesis to explain why the biodiversity of flowering plants in this area is much greater than expected.

There is less human interference in the SW, which gives plants more time to evolve and grow as it’s an environment not destroyed by humans.

Some areas of the Earth have ecosystems in which the biodiversity is rapidly decreasing. Where are these ‘hotspots’ most likely to be found?

Large cities, places with dense human populations, disturbed by pollution, land clearing.

How might measures of biodiversity be useful in comparing 2 similar ecosystems?

Animal/plant diversity; differences in biodiversity can determine which one is healthier. (different abiotic factors)

How might measures of biodiversity be iuseful in comparing the same ecosyetm over a long period of time?

Difference in biodiversity, abiotic factors etc. Indicate whether the ecosystem is stable/changing ‘health’.