Biodiversity Basics
What does the prefix "bio-" mean?
Life
What is a niche?
The role or job of an organism in its habitat.
What is natural selection?
When nature chooses which individuals survive and reproduce.
What is mutualism?
a relationship where both species benefit
What is extinction?
The disappearance of species from earth
What are the three main types of biodiversity?
Ecosystem diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity
Give an example of a structural adaptation.
Possible answer: Giraffe's long neck to reach leaves.
What is the main difference between natural and artificial selection?
Natural = nature chooses
Artificial = humans choose
What is extirpation?
Extinction of a species in a certain area.
Explain the difference between species diversity and genetic diversity.
Species diversity is the number of different species in an area, while genetic diversity is the variety of traits within one species.
How do behavioural and physiological adaptations differ?
Behaviours are actions (e.g. migration) while physiological are internal processes (e.g. producing venom).
It provides different traits so some individuals may survive changes.
How does parasitism differ from mutualism?
In parasitism, one benefits and the other is harmed. In mutualism, both benefit.
Why might humans reintroduce a species to an ecosystem where it was extirpated?
To restore balance, biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Why is biodiversity important for the survival of ecosystems?
It increases stability, resilience, and the ability to adapt to change.
Describe how two different species might have overlapping niches and what could happen as a result.
They compete for resources, one may have to adapt, move or go extinct.
A drought causes plants with deeper roots to survive. Explain how natural selection might change the plant population over time.
Plants with deeper roots reproduce more, passing on the trait, so most plants develop deeper roots.
Explain how removing a keystone species can affect an entire ecosystem.
It disrupts population balance, causing cascading effects on many species.
How could habitat destruction lead to extinction?
It removes food, shelter and resources needed for survival.
A forest loses many species of insects due to climate change. Predict two possible impacts this could have on the ecosystem.
Possible answers: fewer pollinators, plant populations decline, food web disruption, less genetic variation.
Design an adaptation for an animal that lives in a cold, dark cave and explain why it is helpful.
Possible answers: large eyes for low light (structural), hibernation (behavioural), antifreeze blood (physiological).
Humans selectively breed wolves to be smaller and less aggressive. Predict how this might change their ecological role.
They may no longer control deer populations effectively, causing overgrazing and ecosystem changes.
A new parasite infects bees. Predict how this could impact plant biodiversity.
Fewer pollinators --> fewer plants reproduce --> decline in plant diversity and food sources.
Evaluate the long-term consequences of low genetic diversity in a species.
Less ability to adapt to change, higher disease risk, possible extinction.