Answers 2024/2025
genetic diversity - ANSWERSmeasures variety of different versions of same genes within a species
species diversity - ANSWERSmeasures number of different kinds of organisms within a community
ecological diversity - ANSWERSmeasures richness and complexity of a community
fragmentation/cloning - ANSWERSaspens, less genetic diversity
species richness - ANSWERStotal number of species in a community
species evenness - ANSWERSrelative abundance of individuals within each species
reproductive isolation - ANSWERSorganisms that breed in nature and produce fertile offspring
phylogenetic species concept - ANSWERSemphasizes the branches on a taxonomic tree (cladistic
relationships)
evolutionary species concept - ANSWERSdefines species in terms of evolution and historic terms
DNA sequencing and other molecular techniques - ANSWERSgive insight into taxonomic and
evolutionary relationships
biodiversity hotspots - ANSWERStropical rainforests and coral reefs
, Benefits of biodiversity in food - ANSWERSwild plants could provide new sources of food or more genetic
diversity for existing crops
benefits for drugs and medicine - ANSWERSmore than half of all modern medicines contain some natural
product from a wild species
pharmaceutical companies - ANSWERSactively prospect tropical countries for products
Biopiracy - ANSWERSResources often extracted without compensation
sharing profits - ANSWERSprovides an incentive to preserve native species
ecological benefits - ANSWERSSoil formation, waste disposal, air and water purification, nutrient cycling,
solar energy absorption, and biogeochemical and hydrological cycles all depend on biodiversity. We do
not fully understand biological communities. Loss of a seemingly insignificant species can be damaging
What did E.O. Wilson summarize - ANSWERSThe human threat to wildlife with HIPPCO
HIPPCO - ANSWERSHabitat destruction, Invasive Species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate Change,
Over harvesting
habitat destruction - ANSWERSbiggest reason for current increase in extinction is habitat loss. conversion
of forest to farmland, cities. Habitat is fragmented into small, scattered plots. Loss of habitat due to
mining, dams, destructive fishing practices
invasive species - ANSWERSinvasive organisms thrive in new territory where they are free of usual
predators, diseases , or resources limitations that checked them in the original habitat. 80% of global
invasive introduced by humans, whether accidentally or purposely. Over past 300 years approx 50,000
non-native species have become established in the US. Cost 5-12 billion/yr in US, but is a global issue
pollution - ANSWERSPesticides, Lead, Light, Noise