Chapter 10: Biodiversity Study Questions

Define Biodiversity

Sure for biological diversity, is the variety of organisms in a given area, the genetic variation within a population, the variety of species in a community, or the variety of communities in an ecosystem.

What does the study of biodiversity starts with?

The unfinished task of cataloging all the species that exist on earth

What is the known number of species known to science?

1\.9 million.

When are new species considered known?

Collected and described scientifically

Where do unknown species exist?

Remote wilderness, deep ocean, and even in cities

Define species diversity

Refers to all the differences between populations of species, as well as between different species

Define ecosystem diversity

Refers to the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within and between ecosystems

Define genetic diversity

Refers to all the different genes contained within all members of a population

Define gene

Hey, segment of DNA that is located in a chromosome and that codes for a specific hereditary trait

What does biodiversity affect the stability of?

Ecosystems and sustainability of populations

Define Keystone species

A species that is critical to the functioning of the ecosystem in which it lives because it affects the survival and abundance of many other species in its community.

What happens when genetic variation increases?

The chances that some members of the population may survive environmental pressures or changes.

What happens when genetic variation decreases?

Population shrinks

What are prescribed drugs in the U.S. deprived from?

Plants as well as chemicals found in fungi

Define Hybrids

Crops developed by combining genetic material from other populations

Define Ecotourism

A form of tourism that supports the conservation and sustainable development of ecologically unique areas

Define Mass extinction

The extinction of many species in a relatively short period of time.

What is the cause of the current mass extinction?

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Global Change in climate

What species are at risk of extinction?

Those that migrate

Define endangered species

A species that has been identified to be in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant part of its range and that is thus under protection by regulations or conservation measures.

Define Threatened Species

A species that has been identified to be likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.

What are the major causes of extinction today?

Destruction of habitats, the introduction of nonnative species, pollution , and overharvesting of species

Define exotic species

A species that is not native to a particular region

What are other causes of extinctions?

Excessive Hunting

What are rare species harvested and sold for?

Pets, Houseplants, wood, food, or herbal medicine

Define Poaching

The illegal harvesting of fish, game, or other species.

What are some pollutants used by humans making their way into food webs around the globe?

Pesticides, cleaning agents, drugs, and other chemicals

Define endemic species

A species that is native to a particular place and that is found only there

What are tropical rainforest cleared for?

Farming and Cattle Grazing

What are coral reefs threatened by?

Human Activities such as, pollution, development along waterways, and overfishing

Define biodiversity hotspots

The most threatened areas of high species diversity on earth.

What are examples of a biodiversity hotspot?

Tropical Rainforest, Coastal Areas, and islands

What are some unique ecosystems in the U.S. ?

Florida Everglades, The California Coastal Region, Hawaii, the midwestern prairies, and the forest of the Pacific Northwest

What land plants are high in diversity?

Pine Trees and Sunflowers