Biological Diversity and Its Importance

These flashcards cover essential concepts and facts regarding biological diversity, its levels, benefits, threats, and conservation efforts.

What are the multiple levels of biological diversity?

Species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

How is species diversity measured?

Species richness or evenness.

What does genetic diversity provide for species?

The raw material for evolution.

What makes species vulnerable according to genetic diversity?

Low genetic diversity leads to vulnerability to disease, inbreeding depression, and extinction.

How does ecosystem diversity contribute to biological diversity?

By providing more habitats.

What organism groups make up most of the biodiversity?

Invertebrates and plants.

Where is species diversity highest?

In the wet tropics.

What has happened to populations of most species since the 1970s?

They have been in decline.

What is one major cause of species decline in terms of habitat?

Habitat loss is a major driver of biodiversity decline.

What impact does human activity have on species diversity?

It favors generalist species over those with specific habitat requirements.

What is the role of wild relatives of crop plants?

They are a source of genes for disease and drought resistance.

What major ecosystem service do seed-dispersing animals provide?

They help fleshy-fruited plants adapt to climate change.

What happened to vulture populations in Asia due to diclofenac use?

They plummeted by 99% starting in the 1990s.

What does the Endangered Species Act aim to do?

It aims to stop or reverse the decline of North American species.

How has the Florida panther's extinction risk been mitigated?

By increasing the genetic diversity of its population.

What unusual conservation method is being attempted with the Northern white rhino?

In vitro fertilization and surrogate mothers.

What is the estimated current number of vaquita individuals remaining in the wild?

Only 8 individuals.

What important benefit does biological diversity provide to economies?

It boosts economies through ecotourism.

What can promoting flagship species do for conservation?

It can help preserve their habitat and the species that live there.