Biodiversity

Front

What is biodiversity and why is it important in an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is important because high biodiversity allows ecosystems to withstand disturbances and maintain functionality.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web in terms of species diversity?

Back

A food web has higher species diversity than a food chain because it consists of multiple interconnected food chains, allowing for more interactions among species.

Front

What is a community in ecological terms?

Back

A community is made up of all the populations of different organisms interacting in a specific area, such as a pond.

Front

Why is low biodiversity a concern for an ecosystem?

Back

Low biodiversity can lead to instability in an ecosystem. For example, if a single producer is lost, it can cause a collapse of the food web, leading to the extinction of herbivores and other dependent species.

Front

What group of animals experienced an increase in diversity between 413 million years ago and 265 million years ago?

Back

Mollusks experienced an increase in diversity during that time period.

Front

How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience?

Back

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience by providing a wider range of species that can adapt to changes and disturbances, ensuring the ecosystem can recover.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants and phytoplankton, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web and providing energy for herbivores.

Front

What is the significance of species interactions in a community?

Back

Species interactions, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis, are crucial for maintaining the balance and health of a community.

Front

What factors can threaten biodiversity in an ecosystem?

Back

Factors that can threaten biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources.

Front

How can conservation efforts help maintain biodiversity?

Back

Conservation efforts, such as protected areas, habitat restoration, and sustainable practices, help maintain biodiversity by preserving ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.