Biodiversity and Its Ecological Importance

This lesson explores biodiversity, highlighting its significance and the estimated number of species globally. It delves into genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, emphasizing biodiversity's role in ecosystem stability and resource availability. The lesson also discusses threats to biodiversity, such as inbreeding and disease, and stresses the importance of maintaining diverse ecosystems for sustainable futures.

Approximately how many unique species are estimated to exist globally?

• 500,000 to 10 million

• 1 million

• 200,000

• 45,000

Which of the following is NOT a level of biodiversity?

• Ecosystem diversity

• Species diversity

• Genetic diversity

• Climate diversity

What does genetic diversity refer to?

• The number of habitats in an ecosystem

• The number of ecosystems in a region

• The variety of genes within a species

• The number of species in an ecosystem

Why is biodiversity crucial for ecosystems?

• It increases the number of predators

• It provides stability and resilience

• It reduces the number of species

• It limits genetic variation

How does increased biodiversity benefit humans?

• By reducing the number of resources

• By providing more resources

• By increasing disease prevalence

• By limiting ecosystem stability

What is a potential consequence of reduced biodiversity?

• Balanced food webs

• Ecosystem breakdown

• Decreased disease prevalence

• Increased genetic diversity

Which of the following is a result of inbreeding due to low biodiversity?

• Increased genetic diversity

• Decreased genetic diversity

• Stable ecosystems

• Balanced food webs

Why is it important to maintain biodiverse ecosystems?

• To increase disease prevalence

• To promote inbreeding

• To ensure stable and sustainable futures

• To ensure ecosystem breakdown

How does biodiversity relate to climate change?

• Biodiversity increases climate change

• Biodiversity helps ecosystems adapt to climate change

• Biodiversity reduces the need for climate action

• Biodiversity has no impact on climate change

What is a long-term consequence of not maintaining biodiversity?

• Decreased disease prevalence

• Long-term ecological consequences

• Stable ecosystems

• Increased resource abundance