Question

Ecologists are interested in quantifying different kinds of biodiversity. In each of the two studies outlined here, which kind of biodiversity are ecologists studying?
Ecologists establish 20 small areas, called plots, randomly scattered across a California grassland. They count the number of different plant species present in each plot.

By noting how many species appear in the plots, the ecologists are able to estimate the number of species in the entire grassland.

a. Genetic diversity
b. Functional diversity
c.Ecosystem diversity
d. Species diversity

Ecologists draw blood samples from basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) specimens caught from a single large population in the Atlantic Ocean. From each blood sample, the ecologists isolate DNA. Comparing several DNA sequences across the individuals that were sampled, the ecologists are able to estimate the variation in DNA sequences in the entire population.

a. Genetic diversity
b. Ecosystem diversity
c. Species diversity
d. Functional diversity

One way to think about the importance of biodiversity is simply to think in terms of natural capital: the roles that genes, species, ecosystems, and ecological processes play in supporting human society and a healthy biosphere. Which of the following are benefits provided by biodiversity?

a. Controlling pests
b. Providing medically useful chemicals
c. Keeping topsoil fertile
d. Eliminating the ozone hole

Answer 1

Answer:

1. --> d. Species diversity

2. --> a. Genetic diversity

3. --> a. Controlling pests, b. Providing medically useful chemicals , and c. Keeping topsoil fertile

Explanation:

1) Kinds of biodiversity

• Genetic diversity: Among species. Refers to genes variability among species that differentiate them and allows them to adapt to different environments.  The genetic charge of one species differs from other species´ genetic charge.
• Species diversity: Refers to the diversity of species, which can be measured by:

1. Species richness: Number of species in a defined unit sample,
2. Species abundance: Describe the distribution of the species abundance.

Species richness is the number of species present in a sample, within a community, habitat or microhabitat, ecosystem, landscape, region, or any well-defined spatial unit. It is simple and easy to interpret. It is the simplest and straightforward measure of biodiversity. It is just a count of species, with no need for abundance data. In some cases, this can be the cause of criticism, as it ignores information about the species-abundance distribution.  

2) Ecosystem services

When talking about ecosystem services, we are referring to the benefits that ecosystems provide us. There are four types of ecosystem services:

• Provision or supply:

These are the products obtained by nature to be used or consumed, directly or with previous processing. Among them, we might mention food, clear fresh-water, fertile soils, geotic materials, raw materials (that can be used for clothing, construction), renewable fuels, biochemical compounds, pharmacological/medicinal resources, among others.  

• Regulation:

Refers to ecological processes that improve life. Among others, we might mention climate regulation, CO² absorption, water purification, air purification, erosion control, natural disaster avoidance such as flooding, soil fertility maintenance, waste recycling, pests/plagues control, etc.  

• Cultural:

Refers to not the material benefits. Ecosystems also provide a recreational place or area to spend time, to learn, provides a spiritual/religious space, is a source of inspiration, it is considered to be cultural patrimony, and the source of scientific knowledge.