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Biological Diversity and Survival Topic 1 Biological Diversity Biological Diversity In an area the number and variety of organisms is referred to as the biological diversity (biodiversity). Variation is the differences that can be seen between two organisms. Biodiversity A Wealth of Diversity In natural communities all organisms interact with each other These interactions can be beneficial to all organisms Biodiversity is important for the health and survival of natural communities. Species To be classified as a species organisms must: – Interbreed in nature – Their offspring are able to breed Variation Within Species Organisms of the same species have similar appearances Variation always exists in species, this means that there are differences between individuals in a species. Variation Among Species Some species show similar characteristics. E.g. – All insects have 6 legs – All birds have feathers This is due to speciation, where one common ancestor has evolved into different species depending on the conditions in the area where they lived. Variations for Survival Every organisms has adaptations that enable it to survive in its environment. Structural Adaptations: – An inherited physical feature that helps the organism survive Behavioural Adaptations: – An inherited characteristic behaviour that helps an organism survive – Adaptation Video The Value of Variation Areas with greater biodiversity are often more able to tolerate changes in the environment. – E.g. Mountain Pine beetle destroys lodgepole pine trees. – This means a forest of lodgepole pine would be decimated by mountain pine beetle. But a forest with a variety of trees would survive. Measuring Biological Diversity Diversity Index – Compares the diversity of species in an area with the total number of organisms in the same area. It is used to check the health of an ecosystem. Classification System Organisms are grouped into one of 5 kingdoms: – Monera – Protista – Fungi – Plant – Animal Naming Organisms The name includes two parts: – The first part is the genus •A genus is a group of organisms that are very similar – The second part is the species •A species is a smaller, more limiting classification group. Taxonomy Histograms vs. Bar Graphs You may remember that bar graphs allow you to compare a numerical quantity with some other category. For instance, you may use a bar graph to illustrate the numbers of different types of flowers in a meadow. Histograms vs. Bar Graphs Histograms are another kind of graph that uses bars to display data. Histograms may be used to show numbers of organisms of certain sizes. Histograms vs. Bar Graphs How does a bar graph differ from a histogram? – The categories on the x-axis of a histogram represent grouped continuous data such as time, mass, distance, or height. – For instance, if you wanted to look at the height distribution in a sample of pea plants, you could use a histogram to display the data. Histograms vs. Bar Graphs Histograms are similar to Bar graphs because they have: – – – – A title. Labels for each axis. The scales on each axis. The bars of equal width. Histograms are DIFFERENT from bar graphs because: – There are NO SPACES between bars. – The bars are for intervals.