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Ch. 54 - Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology
Freeman - Biological Science 7th Edition
Freeman7th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9783584863285Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksFreeman 7th EditionCh. 54 - Biodiversity and Conservation EcologyProblem 3
Chapter 54, Problem 3

What is a biodiversity "hotspot"?
a. An area where an all-taxon survey is under way
b. An area where an environmental sequencing study has been completed
c. A habitat with high NPP
d. An area with high species richness and high threat to those species

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire Earth. It includes species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Define a biodiversity 'hotspot': A biodiversity hotspot is a region that is both rich in species diversity and under significant threat from human activities. These areas are prioritized for conservation efforts due to their high levels of endemic species and the risk of extinction.
Analyze the options given: Evaluate each option to determine which best fits the definition of a biodiversity hotspot.
Option a: An all-taxon survey involves cataloging all species in a particular area, but it does not necessarily indicate high species richness or threat.
Option d: This option describes an area with high species richness and high threat to those species, which aligns with the definition of a biodiversity hotspot.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Biodiversity Hotspot

A biodiversity hotspot is a region that is both rich in endemic species and experiencing significant habitat loss, making it a priority for conservation efforts. These areas are crucial for maintaining global biodiversity and often face threats from human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.
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Species Richness

Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a particular area. It is a key component of biodiversity and is used to assess the health and stability of ecosystems. High species richness often indicates a diverse and resilient ecosystem, capable of withstanding environmental changes.
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Threats to Biodiversity

Threats to biodiversity include factors that lead to the decline or extinction of species, such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. These threats can reduce species richness and disrupt ecosystem services, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to protect vulnerable areas like biodiversity hotspots.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

What does species richness refer to? Select True or False for each statement.

T/Fthe number of species in an area

T/Fthe evenness of species in an area

T/Fthe functional diversity of a species in an area

T/Fthe phylogenetic diversity of species in an area

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Textbook Question

What community property does the red arrow in the model represent?

a. Low resilience

b. High resilience

c. Low resistance

d. High resistance

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Textbook Question
What is the primary threat in marine environments?
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Textbook Question

Why is the common phrase "humans and animals" not accurate in biology? Suggest one way that a more scientific outlook could boost conservation efforts.

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Textbook Question

Biologists claim that the all-taxa survey now under way at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States will improve their ability to estimate the total number of species living today. Discuss the benefits and limitations that this data set will provide in understanding the extent of global biodiversity.

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