Topic 3.1: Biodiversity Questions

Suggest one reason why it is difficult to establish the precise total number of insect species present in a large tropical forest reserve in West Africa.

Describe two field methods that could be used to confirm the presence of an elusive mammal species.

Name one dimension of biodiversity other than species diversity that scientists use when assessing the overall diversity of life in an ecosystem.

State one field method that could be used to confirm the presence of a newly described nocturnal forest mammal in a remote region of Sumatra.

Define the term species diversity.

Outline one ecosystem service that a forest provides which could be supported by a PES scheme.

Identify one group (other than government) that can help collect biodiversity data.

State what is meant by biodiversity.

A conservationist wants to calculate Simpson's Reciprocal Diversity Index for dragonfly species in a pond. She counts: Aeshna dragonfly = 15, Libellula dragonfly = 9 Sympetrum dragonfly = 6. Total N = 30. Using the formula D = N(N−1) / Σn(n−1), calculate D for the pond. Show all working.

Define species diversity.

State what is meant by 'citizen science'.

Define the term species evenness.

Describe two methods that could be used to confirm the presence of a snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in a mountainous region.

State what a higher value of Simpson’s Reciprocal Index (D) indicates about a community.

State one ecosystem service provided by forests that could justify a PES scheme.

Identify the level of biodiversity that refers to variation within a species.

State what is meant by 'genetic variation' within a population.

Identify two groups, other than scientists, that can contribute to collecting biodiversity data.

A protected area reduces logging and land clearing. Suggest one additional benefit for biodiversity besides increased forest cover.

Define the term species richness.