Biodiversity Basics
The variety of life in all its forms, levels, and combinations
What is biodiversity
Selection that favours intermediate traits and reduces extremes
What is stabilizing selection
The formation of a new species from existing ones
What is speciation
Random changes in allele frequencies in small populations
What is genetic drift
Isolation caused by differences in mating behaviours or rituals
What is behavioural isolation
Biodiversity can be studied at this level, which includes differences within a species
What is genetic diversity
Selection that favours one extreme phenotype over others
What is directional selection
When populations are separated by geographic barriers, it can lead to this type of speciation
What is allopatric speciation
When individuals move into or out of a population, changing allele frequencies
What is gene flow
Isolation caused by physical differences in reproductive organs hat prevent mating
What is mechanical isolation
This level of biodiversity describes the variety of ecosystems in a region
What is ecosystem diversity
Selection that favours two or more extreme traits over intermediate traits
What is disruptive selection
Speciation that occurs without physical barriers, often through ecological or behavioural differences
What is sympatric speciation
Changes in the genetic code that create new alleles
What are mutations
Isolation caused by gametes being incompatible and unable to fuse
What is gametic isolation
The diversity of species within a habitat or region is called this
What is species diversity
The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce
What is natural selection
Any factor that prevents members of different populations from interbreeding
What is reproductive isolation
Traits that improve an organism's chance of survival and reproduction are called this
What are adaptations
Isolation that occurs when hybrids survive poorly or are infertile
What is postzygotic isolation
The component of biodiversity that helps adapt to environmental changes
What is genetic variation
The term for the gradual change in a population's traits over time
What is evolution
The type of isolation that occurs when two populations breed at different times or seasons
What is temporal isolation
Non-random mating based on specific traits can change allele frequencies
What is sexual selection
Isolation that occurs before fertilization to prevent mating altogether
What is prezygotic isolation