Intro to Biodiversity

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 Terms/Definitions
 Biodiversity (biological diversity) = the variety
and # of life forms on Earth.
 Species = a group that can interbreed naturally.
 Note: There is often variability within a species.
 Hybridization = crossbreeding btw species,
rare in nature [plants]

 Morphology = physical characteristics.

Variation
 Physical separation
and time can cause
changes in species =
new species

 This is called
evolutionary change.
Types of Biodiversity
 Genetic Diversity
 Sexual reproduction causes unique inherited
combinations of traits [i.e. hair/eye colour,
etc.]
 Ecosystem Diversity
 Ecosystems are made of a wide variety of
organisms & their environment [i.e.
heterotrophs and autotrophs]
 Diversity of
Interactions
 Interdependence of
species = stability

 Diversity of Habitats
 Structural diversity can
increase biodiversity
Biodiversity at Risk
 Loss of biodiversity
 Affects: food/medicine/economics/carbon cycle

 Extinction
 65 million years ago = dinosaurs…. [climate
disruption]
 Human influence? Climate change!