4.2.1 Biodiversity
how biodiversity may be considered at different
levels
habitat biodiversity (e.g. sand dunes,
woodland, meadows, streams)
species biodiversity
species richness
species evenness
genetic
biodiversity (e.g. different breeds within a species)
the importance
of sampling
how sampling is used in measuring the
biodiversity of a habitat
random sampling
non random sampling
opportunistic
stratified
systematic
how to measure species richness in a habitat
how to measure species
evenness in a habitat
the use and interpretation of Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D) to calculate the biodiversity of a habitat
the interpretation of both high and low values of
Simpson’s Index of Diversity (D)
how genetic biodiversity may be assessed,
including calculations
To include calculations of genetic diversity within isolated populations eg % of gene variants (alleles) in a genome
eg zoos (captive breeding),
rare breeds and pedigree animals
the factors affecting biodiversity
human population growth
agriculture
(monoculture)
climate change
reasons
for maintaining biodiversity
ecological
protecting keystone species (interdependence of organisms)
maintaining genetic resource
economic, including reducing soil depletion
(continuous monoculture)
aesthetic, including protecting landscapes
eg how are beavers a keystone species?
maintaining
biodiversity
In situ conservation including marine
conservation zones and wildlife reserves
Ex situ conservation including seed banks,
botanic gardens and zoos
international and local conservation agreements
made to protect species and habitats
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES)
Rio Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD)
Countryside Stewardship
Scheme (CSS)
how to sample invertebrates