1. Measuring Biodiversity

?
  • Created by: Leenaa
  • Created on: 27-05-15 15:38
Define 'Biodiversity'
The range/variety of organisms in a specific area
1 of 26
Define 'Species'
Group of organisms similar in appearance, anatomy, biochemistry and genetics - able to interbreed to produce fertile offspring
2 of 26
Define 'Habitat'
The place where an organism lives
3 of 26
What's 'habitat biodiversity'?
When organisms are adapted to live in a certain habitat, the range of habitats creates biodiversity.
4 of 26
What's 'species biodiversity'?
In the same habitat, organisms have different adaptations to survive there - different species
5 of 26
What's 'genetic biodiversity'?
Even within the same species, one individual differs from another - differences known as genetic biodiversity.
6 of 26
Our estimate of Earth's biodiversity is probably incorrect because:
- New species constantly discovered - Evolution and speciation -Species becoming extinct before can be discovered
7 of 26
Why do we sample?
- Study effect of climate change - See how environmental change affects biodiversity
8 of 26
What is sampling?
- Gives estimate of biodiversity in an area (test a small area and scale it up to area in question) - Saves time and reduces impact on habitat
9 of 26
Sampling rules? (Random)
RANDOMISE SAMPLES! (Construct a grid and use the random number generator as coordinates) - AVOIDS BIAS
10 of 26
Sampling rules? (No of samples)
If making a comparison between two areas, make sure same number of samples taken!
11 of 26
Sampling rules? (Season)
Make samples throughout the year!
12 of 26
Sampling rules? (Technique)
Method MUST be consistent.
13 of 26
Recording data
- If you know which species to expect you draw a table before the investigation (tally) - if the species aren't known bring an identification key
14 of 26
Sampling plants (Quadrat)
Square with known dimensions, can measure richness and evenness and scale up to area investigated
15 of 26
Sampling plants (Point frame)
When plants are too tall and thick to be measured with a quadrat
16 of 26
Sampling plants (Transect)
The plants that touch the line in the habitat are recorded - mixing this with a quadrat is a BELT TRANSECT.
17 of 26
Why must we sample animals differently?
They move and try to avoid you.
18 of 26
Sampling animals (sweep netting)
Catches INSECTS - move through vegetation, removed contents on a white sheets (or pooter for flying insects)
19 of 26
Sampling animals (pitfall trap)
Catches SMALL ANIMALS - water at the bottom stops from escaping
20 of 26
Sampling animals (light trap)
Catches FLYING INSECTS - UV light attracts them
21 of 26
Sampling animals (tullgren funnel)
Catches INSECTS - put soil sample on cause, heat with bulb, animals fall in a jar
22 of 26
Mark and recapture?
Capture sample, mark them (C1), release, recapture, mark as C2, apart from those from C1 which are now C3
23 of 26
Species richness
Number of species in an area
24 of 26
Species evenness
Relative abundance of species in an area
25 of 26
Why is S.B.I good?
Considers both richness AND evenness! 1 having high biodiversity and 0 having low.
26 of 26

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Define 'Species'

Back

Group of organisms similar in appearance, anatomy, biochemistry and genetics - able to interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Card 3

Front

Define 'Habitat'

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What's 'habitat biodiversity'?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What's 'species biodiversity'?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Biology resources:

See all Biology resources »See all Ecology, ecosystems and environmental biology resources »