Download Biodiversity Station Key

Name: _____________________________________
Date: _____________
6th Grade Science
Period: ___________
Station 1
The three types of diversity studied in biodiversity are species diversity, genetic
diversity, and ecological diversity.
1. Species diversity – measurement of species richness & evenness in an area
2. Genetic diversity – number of different traits within a single species
3. Ecological diversity= differences between ecosystems of different regions
Organize them in a pattern from large scale to small scale. Based on their
definitions and Explain why you placed them in this order.
The order I placed these vocabulary words in was
first ecological diversity, then species diversity and
finally genetic diversity. I placed them in this order
because each fits within one another. Habitats
contain species, which contain genes.
Station 2
Species diversity depends on two things. The richness (amount of species in a given area) and
evenness (equal amount of individuals within each species)
1. Do both areas have the same species richness? Do both areas have the same evenness
among species?
2. Which ecosystem has a better diversity? Why?
3. Which community’s biodiversity would be greatly affected if the elephants were
removed from their ecosystem?
1. Both communities have same richness but not the same
evenness.
2. Community 2 has a better diversity because it is rich in species
and even.
3. Community1 would be greatly affected if the elephants were
removed.
Station 3
Remember the wolves of Isle Royale (an island)? When scientists studied their genetic diversity,
they discovered a common mutation arose more frequently within this small population. One in
three wolves had a spinal deformity.
When compared to wolf populations in other locations. One in ten wolves had this spinal
deformity. This means other wolf populations have a greater genetic diversity because they are
not secluded.
1. Do you think this lack of genetic diversity will affect the success of this pack? Why or
why not?
2. What do you think will happen to the genetic diversity of the pack if they were able to
travel off the island?
1. This genetic deformity will affect their success of the pack
because they may not be able to hunt or maybe other predators
will see this as a weakness.
2. The genetic diversity will increase in the gene pool because they
are mating with other wolves, and this will decrease the chance
of getting the genetic deformity.
Station 4
1. In the map above, the ecological diversity within the world. Which regions
have very little biodiversity?
2. What abiotic factors contribute to keep biodiversity stable in these regions?
1. The areas in blue have the least amount of diversity. (Russia,
Northern Asia, Alaska, Tip of South America)
2. Abiotic Factors that contribute to stability are water, air quality,
temperature, soil and sunlight.