Biodiversity Bonanza
What are the four components of biodiversity?
Functional diversity, genetic diversity, ecological diversity & species diversity
What is an ecological niche?
The role a species plays in an ecosystem, including its interactions and habitat.
What is natural selection?
The process by which beneficial traits become more common in a population.
What is artificial selection?
Humans breeding species for desired traits.
What is extinction?
The complete loss of a species.
What is a biome?
A terrestrial region distinguished by its vegetation and other forms of life.
What are the four types of species classifications based on niche?
Native, nonnative, indicator, keystone.
What are the two key steps of evolution?
Genetic variation (mutation) and natural selection.
How does genetic engineering differ from artificial selection?
Genetic engineering inserts foreign DNA, while artificial selection breeds existing traits.
Name a human activity that contributes to biodiversity loss.
Deforestation
Name three ways biodiversity supports human society.
Food supply, medicine, air and water purification.
Give an example of a keystone species and its role.
Wolves, which regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
Scalloped-Hammerhead Shark, which regulate the removal of injured and sick animals. Help balance the level of decomposition in the ecosystem.
American Alligator, which create gator holes. Nesting mounds provide food and shelter for herons and egrets. Predator for gar. Gator holes manage vegetation growth along the shoreline
What is the difference between geographic isolation and reproductive isolation?
Geographic isolation is physical separation; reproductive isolation is when gene pools change independently.
What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?
An organism whose DNA has been altered using biotechnology.
What is an example of a species that recovered from near extinction?
The American alligator
Bald Eagle
What is the estimated number of species on Earth?
Between 7 million and 100 million.
How do invasive species impact ecosystems?
They outcompete native species, disrupt food webs, and harm local economies.
Why do bacteria develop antibiotic resistance so quickly?
They reproduce rapidly and mutations allow resistance to spread fast.
Give an example of a benefit of genetic engineering.
Pest-resistant crops that require fewer pesticides.
How do scalloped hammerhead sharks act as keystone species?
They remove sick and injured animals, maintaining balance in marine ecosystems.
Why is genetic diversity important for species survival?
It allows species to adapt to environmental changes.
Why are amphibians often considered indicator species?
They are sensitive to environmental changes and pollution.
How does speciation occur?
Through geographic and reproductive isolation over time.
Why do some people oppose genetic engineering?
Ethical concerns, potential environmental risks, and unknown long-term effects.
What percentage of shark species were found to be threatened with extinction in a 2014 study?
25%