Biodiversity Basics
The term used to describe the variety of life in the world or a particular habitat.
What is biodiversity?
A living thing that is brought to a new habitat and often causes damage to the native environment.
What is an invasive species?
The word used to classify organisms that do not have a spine or bones.
What is an invertebrate?
This term describes an ecosystem’s ability to withstand a disturbance.
What is ecological resilience?
When plants and animals are in this category, it means their population is lower than normal and they are in danger of disappearing forever.
What is endangered?
This specific type of diversity refers to the variety within a single species, which prevents forced inbreeding and disease.
What is genetic diversity?
Clearing land for agriculture, industry, or residential areas are all major causes of this main threat.
What is habitat destruction?
These are cold-blooded creatures that can live on both land and water.
What are amphibians?
This holistic approach to producing crops and livestock meets today’s needs while protecting resources for future generations.
What is sustainable agriculture?
When species populations drop drastically, surviving animals are forced into this practice, making them much more likely to develop diseases
What is inbreeding?
Give two reasons why biodiversity is important to the planet.
What are ensuring ecosystem survival, providing food, clean air, clean water, medicines, and maintaining healthy natural cycles?
Carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and industries are the primary cause of this global issue that melts sea ice.
What is climate change?
These invertebrates have eight legs, no antennae, and no claws or wings.
What are arachnids?
Name two strategies used in sustainable agriculture.
What are promoting soil health/nutrient cycling, limiting non-renewable energy sources, managing pests sustainably, growing a variety of crops, or rotating different crops between seasons?
Give two examples of animal groups that fall under the classification of vertebrates.
What are mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, or amphibians?
A species that can only be found in one specific geographic location is known by this term.
What is an endemic species?
Releasing toxins into ecosystems, improper waste disposal, and factory emissions are all examples of this threat.
What is pollution?
These are mostly aquatic creatures that have jointed legs and an exoskeleton.
What are crustaceans?
If an ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, how would its resilience be affected if the number of species gradually declined over time?
What is its resilience would decrease?
As a consumer, name two things you can do to support sustainable agriculture.
What are buying local foods, choosing organic options, reducing food waste, or supporting sustainable farms?