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Flashcards in Biodiversity Deck (9)
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1
Q

What is biodiversity?

A

The sum total of life forms on earth.

2
Q

What are the 5 main drivers of biodiversity loss?

A
  1. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation 2. Climate Change 3. Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution 4. Over exploitation and unsustainable use 5. Invasive species
3
Q

What are the three characteristics of a biodiversity hotspot?

A
  • Must contain atleast 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemic. - Must have lost 70% of it original habitat
4
Q

What are the three domains of life? and what are their positions on the phylogenic tree?

A
5
Q

What is endemism?

A

Species that are only found in one geographical region.

6
Q

What is an endemic species?

A

A species that is often found in geographically isolated areas. ie. Kangaroo or Kiwi.

7
Q

What is a native species?

A

A species present in an area through natural processes.

8
Q

What is an introduced(exotic or invasive) speices?

A

A species present in an area due to human introduction.

9
Q

What is ecosystem diversity?

A

Communties of organisms and the physical environment around them (abiotic) including functionl traits (ie. nutrient and nitrogen cycling) For example the human body hosts a large number of parasites and actinobacteria.