Q2. What is biodiversity? What does it mean to say it increases or decreases?

Background

Topic: Biodiversity

Key Terms:

• Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

• Increase/Decrease: Refers to changes in the number or variety of species, genes, or ecosystems.

Q3. What are the 3 components of biodiversity? How are each measured?

Key Terms:

• Genetic Diversity: Variation of genes within species.

• Species Diversity: Variety of species within a habitat or region.

• Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems in a given place.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the three main components of biodiversity.

2. For each component, describe what it refers to (e.g., genetic diversity refers to ...).

3. Briefly explain how each component can be measured or assessed (e.g., genetic diversity can be measured by ...).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Why do some scientists feel that preservation from species-poor lineages is a particular priority (compared to lineages with many species)?

Background

Topic: Conservation Priorities

This question is testing your understanding of evolutionary history and conservation strategies.

Key Terms:

• Lineage: A sequence of species each of which is considered to have evolved from its predecessor.

• Species-poor lineage: A lineage with few living species.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Consider why preserving unique evolutionary history might be important.

2. Think about what is lost if a species-poor lineage goes extinct versus a species-rich lineage.

3. Explain the concept of evolutionary distinctiveness and its role in conservation decisions.

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Q5. What is ecosystem function? Give some examples of what happens when function breaks down.

Background

Topic: Ecosystem Function

This question is testing your understanding of how ecosystems operate and the consequences of disruption.

Key Terms:

• Ecosystem Function: The biological, geochemical, and physical processes that take place within an ecosystem.

• Examples: Nutrient cycling, energy flow, pollination, decomposition.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define ecosystem function and list some key processes involved.

2. Describe what can happen when these functions are disrupted (e.g., loss of pollinators, nutrient imbalances).

3. Provide at least one real-world example of ecosystem function breakdown and its consequences.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!