Biodiversity

Key Definitions:

 Species diversity:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 Genetic diversity:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 Ecosystem diversity:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Species Diversity

 Can be used to measure biodiversity

 Two components:

o ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

o ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Measuring Species Diversity

 The table above does not show us much about the differences in the two habitats.

 In both cases the number of species and individuals are the same

 If we now calculate species diversity, then we get a different picture.

 d= N(n-1) .
Σn(n-1)

Where: d = species diversity index

N = total number of organisms of all species
n = total number of organisms of each species
Σ= sum of

 Calculate the species diversity index of each habitat from the table above. Draw a new table
below.
 Species Diversity & Human Activity

Impact of agriculture

 Natural ecosystems develop from complex communities

 Agricultural ecosystems are carefully controlled by humans

 Farmers select crops that are more productive.

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 For economic reasons, the crop yield needs to be large.

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 Crops are sprayed with pesticide and man made fertiliser.

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 This all acts to reduce species diversity

Impact of deforestation

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 What might you want to clear a forest for?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..