Basics of Biodiversity
What does "biodiversity" mean?
Variety of life on Earth.
What is background extinction?
The natural, slow process of species disappearing over time.
Define sustainable use.
Using resources at a rate that allows them to renew naturally.
The Irish Potato Famine is an example of low ____ diversity.
Genetic
This Texas city confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus in 2025 after mosquitoes in the area tested positive for the virus earlier in the summer.
Wichita Falls
Name the three types of biodiversity.
Genetic Diversity
Species Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
What is a mass extinction?
When many species die off in a short period.
What is a biodiversity hotspot?
Areas with many unique (endemic) species and high habitat loss.
Clean water and oxygen are examples of which type of economic value?
Indirect economic value
This Swedish climate activist was detained by Israeli forces in October 2025 while aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla and later deported after alleging inhumane treatment.
Greta Thunberg
What type of biodiversity describes different genes within a population?
Genetic Diversity
How much faster is the current extinction rate than normal?
About 1,000 times faster than normal.
What is bioremediation used for?
Using living organisms to clean up polluted areas
Agriculture and fishing are examples of which type of economic value?
This eye color can be traced back to one ancient human who lived about6,000 - 10,000 years ago near the Black Sea, meaning everyone with it shares a single common ancestor.
Blue eyes
Give one reason biodiversity is essential for humans.
It provides resources like food, medicine, oxygen, and clean water.
What percentage of species could vanish this century?
33%-66% of species could vanish this century.
What is biological control?
Introducing one species to help manage another (like using ladybugs to control aphids).
Why is relying on one species risky for human survival?
If that species is wiped out, we lose an entire food source/resource
Your left hand
Which type of biodiversity compares coral reefs and deserts?
Why does reduced biodiversity weaken ecosystems?
Fewer species mean less stability, fewer interactions, and weaker ecosystems
Give me an example of how humans can reduce biodiversity loss.
Recycling, protecting habitats, sustainable farming, reducing pollution, etc.
How did the Irish Potato Famine show the danger of low biodiversity?
Because only one type of potato was grown, disease wiped them out, causing starvation and migration.
You have 20 seconds to think of a joke. If I laugh you get the points.
:)