Biodiversity
Definition of Biodiversity
The variety of life in a given area
Endemic Species + Example
Species only found in one region and nowhere else
ex. Galapagos Turtles
Renewable Resource vs. Non-Renewable Resource
Renewable: natural resource either always available or quickly replaced
Non-Renewable: not replaceable quickly (coal, oil)
Why is human population growth the root of all threats to biodiversity?
Something along the lines of humans cause/exacerbate all issues like pollution, habitat destruction, etc.
3 Types of Environmental Issues
Resource Use
Human Population Growth
Pollution
Describe the Three Factors Affecting Biodiversity
Area (larger area = more species to live there)
Climate (more biodiversity in tropics due to stable temps, rainfall, continuous growing season)
Niche Diversity (Areas that support multiple niches will contain more species that other habitats)
Keystone Species + Example
Species with significant impact on health/stability of their ecosystem despite low population
ex. wolves of yellowstone
Niche
An organism's role in the ecosystem, including its food, predators, habitat, and trophic level.
Habitat Fragmentation
+ 100 points if describe correlation to the lyme disease epidemic
The breaking up of habitats into "patches" that make it hard for some species to live there
- Impairs dilution effect
4 Ways of Protecting Biodiversity
Habitat Preservation
Laws and Treaties
Education
Captive Breeding
5 Main Threats to Biodiversity
Habitat Destruction
Introduced (invasive) Species
Pollution
Population Growth
Overconsumption
Umbrella Species + Example
Large species with large habitat so that protecting the habitat of this species indirectly protects many others
ex. Giant Panda
Ecosystem Services
The indirect and direct contributions of ecosystems to humans
Anthropocene
Biodiversity Hotspot
An area characterized by high levels of biodiversity and habitat loss
3 Ways to Measure Biodiversity + Definitions
Species Diversity - number of species in ecosystem
Ecosystem Diversity - number of ecosystems in biosphere
Genetic Diversity - number of characteristics in population
Indicator Species + Example
Species that are sensitive to changes in an ecosystem and therefore act as warning systems for the overall health of the entire ecosystem
ex. Mountain Pica
Trophic Cascade
When something occurs at the top of the food chain causing disruptions all the way down
Dilution Effect
More of a species reduces the risk that one individual will be infected with a disease, for example
Biodiversity Hotspots Criteria
- Min. 1500 endemic plant species
- Unique Feature
- Min. 70% habitat already lost
6 Values of Biodiversity + Definitions
Economic
Ecological
Cultural
Recreational
Ecosystem Services
Negative
Extinct vs. Endangered vs. Threatened Species
Extinct = no living members anywhere on Earth
Endangered = close to extinction
Threatened = in danger of becoming extinct
Ecosystem Functions
The biological, chemical, and ecological processes that make up an ecosystem
Describe 5 specific effects the wolves had on yellowstone when they were reintroduced
- More vegetation
- Changed deer behavior
- trees grew
- more birds migrating/more songbirds
- beaver population increased
- beaver dams created habitats for many species
- Wolves killed coyotes
- more rabbits/mice
- More hawks/other species eating rabbits
Examples of Ecosystem Services (4 main categories + examples)
Extra 75 points if every part of question is answered
Regulating functions (flood and disease control, regulating air and clean water)
Provisions (food, water, and other goods and products)
Cultural services (spiritual, recreational, cultural)
Supporting services (nutrient cycling, soil formation)