Biodiversity Basics
This term means the number and variety of species in an area.
biodiversity
This biome has very little rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Desert
This method uses a square frame to count organisms in a small area.
quadrat sampling
This ecosystem service includes products like food, timber, and medicine.
provisioning services
A wildfire is an example of this type of ecosystem event. PARTY OR DISTURBANCE
disturbance
This formula is used to calculate biodiversity index.
Answer: What is number of species รท total individuals?
This biome is cold, dry, and treeless.
Tundra
This method uses a measuring tape placed across a habitat to record species at intervals.
transect sampling
Pollination is an example of this type of ecosystem service.
regulating services?
This term describes an ecosystem that stays balanced even though small changes happen constantly.
RESILIENCE OR DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM
dynamic equilibrium
If two ecosystems have the same number of species, the one with fewer total individuals will have a ______ (higher/lower) biodiversity index.
higher
This biome has cone-bearing trees and long cold winters.
Taiga
This method uses fine mesh nets to safely capture birds or bats for identification.
Mist netting
This ecosystem service includes oxygen production and nutrient cycling.
supporting services
This is the ability of an ecosystem to recover after a disturbance.
resilience?
If biodiversity decreases after a disturbance, ecosystem stability usually ______. (increases/decreases)
decreases
This biome has the highest biodiversity and heavy annual rainfall.
tropical rainforest
This method uses drones or airplanes to study large ecosystems from above.
aerial photos
Tourism and recreation are examples of this type of ecosystem service.
cultural services
If wolves disappear from an ecosystem and deer increase, this is an example of a ______ reaction in a food web.
chain
(Also accept: trophic cascade.)
Explain why an ecosystem with more species is generally more stable.
Answer: Because more species means more roles, so if one species declines others can maintain balance.
Explain why tropical rainforests have higher biodiversity than tundras.
Answer: Because rainforests have warm temperatures, high rainfall, and abundant resources year-round, while tundras have harsh climates and short growing seasons.
Explain one advantage and one limitation of canopy fogging.
Answer:
Advantage: It helps study insects in treetops.
Limitation: It may harm or disturb organisms.
Explain why regulating services are important for human survival.
Answer: Because they help control climate, purify water, and support pollination, which keeps ecosystems functioning and supports food production.
Explain how high biodiversity helps an ecosystem recover after a disturbance.
Answer: Because more species means there are backup roles in the ecosystem. If one species declines, others can fill its role, helping restore balance.