Chapter 5.1, Problem 6MI

Describe observable difference among the types of biodiversity using a forest ecosystem.

Summary Introduction

To describe:

Observable differences among the types of biodiversity using a forest ecosystem.

Introduction:

Biodiversity is a variety of life in an area that is determined by the number of species living in that area. It helps in maintaining a healthy biosphere and provides direct and indirect value to humans. Biodiversity increases the stability of an ecosystem. There are three types of biodiversity: species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity.

Answer to Problem 6MI

Type of Biodiversity	Example
Genetic diversity	Differences in the coat color of rabbits found in forest
Species diversity	Many species of animals gathering at a water hole
Ecosystem diversity	Forest ecosystem is one of the many types of ecosystems in the biosphere

Explanation of Solution

Species diversity- The number of different species and their relative abundance in a biological community is called species diversity. Many species gathering at a water hole is an example of species diversity. The watering hole becomes a habitat rich in species diversity. Species diversity is not evenly distributed over the biosphere. It increases as we move from poles to equator.

Genetic diversity- The variety of genes or inheritable characteristics that are present in a population makes up its genetic diversity. Rabbits show genetic diversity because of their different colors. Rabbits have the same body structure but exhibitdifferent coat colors. Their ability to show variety of colors is a more apparent example of genetic diversity as it is visible. Genetic diversity increases the chances of survival of some species during an outbreak of disease or during adverse conditions.

Ecosystem diversity- The biosphere contains many ecosystems with diverse abiotic factors that support a variety of organisms. The variety of ecosystems in a biosphere is called ecosystem diversity. The interactions among the populations and the abiotic factors stabilize the ecosystem. Different ecosystems have different set of abiotic factors that support different types of life. Example: aquatic ecosystem, ecosystem of Central America, forests, grasslands, desert, marine etc.