Biological diversity is the blueprint of life, holding the key to countless solutions for humanity's challenges, from medicine to sustainable agriculture. By understanding and appreciating biodiversity, we unlock not only the mysteries of our natural world but also the potential for innovation and ...
Biological Diversity - Variety of species and ecosystems across the Earth
The closer you get to the equator, the more diversity, closer to the poles, less diversity
- This is because of warmer temperatures due to Earth's tilt
- A large amount of sunlight, which allows for more plants to grow and animals to survive
Components of Biological Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity - A variety of ecosystems around the world
- Mountain ecosystem can be near lake ecosystem in foothills area
Community Diversity - Differences between communities
Population Diversity - Differences between different populations of the same species
- Like different ages of two different herds of deer
Species Diversity - Differences occurring between individual organisms within same species
- Like dog breeds
Genetic Diversity - Small differences in DNA between individuals of a species
- you look different than siblings because of different combinations in DNA
Adaptations
- Feature that increases an organism's ability to survive in a particular environment
Behavioral Adaptations
- Something an animal does in response to something else to survive
- Ex. Bears hibernate during the winter
Structural Adaptations
- A physical characteristic that helps an organism survive
- Ex. Chameleons changing color to blend into the environment
Variations - Can look different in members of the same species
Variation within a population of a species is called variability
- It is vital if the environment changes drastically
- If there is great variation in a species, then most individuals will survive if there is change
, Arrangement of Species
Species
- Particular groups of organisms
- Have the same structure and can reproduce to make offspring
Population
- Members of the same species live in same area together and share all the resources
- Ex. herds
Community
- When different populations live in the same area
- Ex. living plants and animals of different species
Ecosystem
- Where biotic things interact with biotic and abiotic factors in an environment
- Ex. community at watering hole while plants absorb sunlight and water
Niches
- Role an organism plays in a particular ecosystem
- Can change depending on the environment and other organisms
What it includes:
● Habitat - Where it lives
● What it eats
● What eats it
● What it competes with
● How / When it reproduces
● Impact it has on the environment
Broad Niche
- Allows organisms to survive in many different conditions
- Generalists are organisms with adaptations to survive in variable conditions
- Ex. Cougars can live in mountains, foothills, prairies, and can depend on various food
sources
Narrow Niche
- Highly specialized role
- Specialists are organisms that adapt to specific environments
- Only eat and live in specific areas
- Ex. Pandas only live in Central China and only eat bamboo
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