1.1 Biodiversity-An Introduction

Pages 8-13

Biodiversity

• The number and variety of living things

Species

• Members of a group of living things that can produce fertile offspring.

Hybridization

• Plants of different species successfully reproduce.

Morphology

• Plants, fungi and many microorganisms do not “breed” so we use physical characteristics to define species

Evolutionary Changes

• Physical changes• Behavioural changes

Genetic Diversity

• Range of traits among members of the same species

Feeding

• Heterotrophs acquire nutrients from outside themselves

• Autotrophs make their own food through photosynthesis

Species Diversity

• Variety of species• Number of individuals

Structural diversity

• Physical shapes• Sizes• Distribution• Habitats• communities

Biodiversity at Risk

• Food supply at risk• Medicines lost• Economic impact on tourism, forestry • Biogeochemical cycle disruptions