Biological Diversity – Topic 1 and 2 Review
Learning Outcome #1: Students will investigate and interpret diversity among species and within species, and
describe how diversity contributes to species survival.
TOPIC 1:
Vocabulary: biodiversity, variation, organism, species, speciation, taxonomy, hierarchical system, behavioral
adaptation, structural adaptation, polymorphism, complete metamorphism, incomplete metamorphism,
sexual dimorphism, diversity index
TOPIC 2:
Vocabulary: environment, habitat, niche, competition, broad niche, narrow niche, generalist, specialist,
symbiotic relationship, mutualism, commensalisms, parasitism, bio-invasion (introduced species).
Matching: Match the definition in column A to the word in column B.
A
A struggle for resources between organisms of
different species
A species with a very narrow niche
The word that describes both the role and the
habitat of an organism
The many differences between individuals of the
same or different species
A mathematical expression of the different kinds
of organisms in an area
A direct or close association between two
different species
The habits and actions of a species that have
been developed over time
Populations of these organisms tend to be high,
although there is not usually very much diversity
in the kinds of these organisms
Identify each characteristic as being one of the following.
A. A structural adaptation
B. A behavioral adaptation
______ A dog barks at an unfamiliar noise during the night.
______ A Venus fly trap plant catches flies
______ A porcupine uses its quills to ward off predators
______ An owl can completely turn its head.
______ Geese fly in a V-shaped flock
______ Arctic rabbits change color with seasons
B
Diversity Index
Generalists
Behavioral Adaptations
Competition
Symbiotic
Variation
Niche
Specialist
Short Answer: Answer the questions below.
1. Describe the process of speciation
2. Explain the difference between variation and biological diversity.
3. Explain the difference between a broad niche and a narrow niche. State one advantage and one
disadvantage of each.
4. You are calculating the diversity index of two different grassland areas. The results are as follows:
Region
Run Information
#1
112344445556
#2
122233456678888
Calculate the diversity index of EACH region.
5. A foreign insect pest is accidentally introduced into both the ecosystems in the table above. Which
ecosystem would have the best chance of tolerating the pest? Explain.
6. When part of their environment is destroyed, would a specialist or a generalist be affected the most?
Explain why.
7. Using an insect for an example, explain complete metamorphism.
8. Give an example of each symbiotic relationship: commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. Explain
each relationship.
9. Explain the TWO parts required when discussing an organisms niche.