QCAA Biology Unit 3 Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity

Variation of genes within a population.

Species Diversity

The variety of species present in an area.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems within a region.

Biological Species Concept

A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms.

Linnaean Classification System

A hierarchical system used to classify living organisms.

Kingdom

The broadest commonly used taxonomic group.

Phylum

A taxonomic level below kingdom.

Class

A taxonomic level below phylum.

Order

A taxonomic level below class.

Family

A taxonomic level below order.

Genus

A group of closely related species.

Species

A group of organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring.

Binomial Nomenclature

The two-part scientific naming system using genus and species names.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used to identify organisms through a series of choices.

Population

All members of a species living in a particular area.

Lincoln Index

A formula used to estimate population size using capture-recapture data.

Species Richness

The number of different species in an area.

Species Evenness

How evenly individuals are distributed among species.

Percentage Cover

The proportion of ground covered by a species.

Percentage Frequency

The percentage of sample areas where a species occurs.

Simpson's Diversity Index

A measure of biodiversity considering richness and evenness.

Sampling

Collecting data from a smaller part of a population or area.

Random Sampling

Samples are chosen by chance.

Systematic Sampling

Samples are taken at regular intervals.

Stratified Sampling

Samples are taken from different sections or strata.

Quadrat

A square frame used to sample organisms in an area.

Line Transect

A line along which organisms are recorded.

Belt Transect

A wider sampling area along a transect line.

Capture-Recapture

A technique used to estimate population size.

Bias

A systematic error that affects results.

Precision

How close repeated measurements are to each other.

Biotic Factor

A living factor affecting organisms in an ecosystem.

Abiotic Factor

A non-living factor affecting organisms in an ecosystem.

Competition

Organisms competing for limited resources.

Predation

One organism hunting and consuming another.

Disease

An illness caused by pathogens or other factors.

Habitat

The environment where an organism lives.

Microhabitat

A small, specific habitat within a larger habitat.

Species Distribution

The pattern of where organisms occur.

Uniform Distribution

Individuals are evenly spaced.

Random Distribution

Individuals are scattered unpredictably.

Abundance

The number of individuals of a species in an area.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in an ecosystem.

Specht's Classification System

A system used to classify vegetation communities in a table form.

Holdridge Life Zone Classification

A system that classifies ecosystems using climate factors in a triangle form.

Exponential Growth

Rapid population growth forming a J-shaped curve.

Logistic Growth

Population growth that slows near carrying capacity, forming an S-shaped curve.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size an environment can support.

r-Strategist

A species producing many offspring with little parental care.

K-Strategist

A species producing fewer offspring with greater parental care.

Birth Rate

The number of births in a population over time.

Death Rate

The number of deaths in a population over time.

Immigration

Movement of individuals into a population.

Emigration

Movement of individuals out of a population.

Population Growth Rate

The rate at which a population changes in size.

Community Composition

The species present and their relative abundance.

Environmental Gradient

A gradual change in environmental conditions across an area.

Ecosystem Classification

Grouping ecosystems based on shared characteristics.

Ecosystem Management

Strategies used to protect and manage ecosystems sustainably.