Textbook Question
What is a biodiversity “hotspot”?
a. an area where an all-taxon survey is under way
b. a habitat with high NPP
c. an area with high species richness and high threat to those species
Ch. 54 - Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology
Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Biology: The Study of Life13
- Ch. 2 - Water and Carbon: The Chemical Basis of Life14
- Ch.3 - Protein Structure and Function10
- Ch.4 - Nucleic Acids and the RNA World10
- Ch. 5 - An Introduction to Carbohydrates10
- Ch. 6 - Lipids, Membranes, and the First Cells11
- Ch. 7 - Inside the Cell10
- Ch. 8 - Energy and Enzymes: An Introduction to Metabolism10
- Ch. 9 - Cellular Respiration and Fermentation11
- Ch. 10 - Photosynthesis12
- Ch. 11 - Cell-Cell Interactions12
- Ch. 12 - The Cell Cycle8
- Ch. 13 - Meiosis12
- Ch. 14 - Mendel and the Gene23
- Ch. 15 - DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair15
- Ch. 16 - How Genes Work16
- Ch. 17 - Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation16
- Ch. 18 - Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria16
- Ch. 19 - Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes12
- Ch. 20 - The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology, Genomics, and New Frontiers15
- Ch. 21 - Genes, Development, and Evolution12
- Ch. 22 - Evolution by Natural Selection16
- Ch. 23 - Evolutionary Processes13
- Ch. 24 - Speciation15
- Ch. 25 - Phylogenies and the History of Life13
- Ch. 26 - Bacteria and Archaea15
- Ch. 27 - Diversification of Eukaryotes16
- Ch. 28 - Green Algae and Land Plants16
- Ch. 29 - Fungi18
- Ch. 30 - An Introduction to Animals9
- Ch. 31 - Protostome Animals15
- Ch. 32 - Deuterostome Animals17
- Ch. 33 - Viruses16
- Ch. 34 - Plant Form and Function16
- Ch. 35 - Water and Sugar Transport in Plants16
- Ch. 36 - Plant Nutrition13
- Ch. 37 - Plant Sensory Systems, Signals, and Responses16
- Ch. 38 - Flowering Plant Reproduction and Development16
- Ch. 39 - Animal Form and Function17
- Ch. 40 - Water and Electrolyte Balance in Animals16
- Ch. 41 - Animal Nutrition16
- Ch. 42 - Gas Exchange and Circulation16
- Ch. 43 - Animal Nervous Systems16
- Ch. 44 - Animal Sensory Systems16
- Ch. 45 - Animal Movement11
- Ch. 46 - Chemical Signals in Animals16
- Ch. 47 - Animal Reproduction and Development16
- Ch. 48 - The Immune System in Animals16
- Ch. 49 - An Introduction to Ecology15
- Ch. 50 - Behavioral Ecology16
- Ch. 51 - Population Ecology16
- Ch. 52 - Community Ecology20
- Ch. 53 - Ecosystems and Global Ecology17
- Ch. 54 - Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology18
Chapter 54, Problem 6
Biologists claim that the all-taxa survey now under way at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States will improve their ability to estimate the total number of species living today. Discuss the benefits and limitations that this data set will provide in understanding the extent of global biodiversity.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the purpose of the all-taxa survey: The all-taxa survey aims to catalog every species within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Understanding the purpose helps in assessing how the data might influence broader biodiversity estimates.
Discuss the benefits of the survey: The survey provides a comprehensive inventory of species in a specific area, which can serve as a reference point for biodiversity. It helps in identifying new species, understanding species distribution, and providing data for conservation efforts.
Consider the representativeness of the data: While the survey provides detailed local biodiversity information, one limitation is its geographic specificity. The data from one region (even if thoroughly collected) may not be fully representative of global biodiversity patterns.
Evaluate the impact on global biodiversity estimates: The survey can improve models and methods for estimating global biodiversity by providing high-quality, localized data. However, extrapolating this data to a global scale requires careful consideration of biogeographic and ecological differences.
Analyze the implications for conservation and policy: The detailed data can inform more targeted conservation strategies and policies at both local and global levels. However, the focus on one location might divert attention or resources from other areas that are less studied but equally important for global biodiversity.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or on the entire planet. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Understanding biodiversity is crucial for assessing the health of ecosystems and the services they provide, such as food, clean water, and climate regulation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:06
Biodiversity and Sustainability
All-Taxa Survey
An all-taxa survey is a comprehensive approach to cataloging all species within a specific area, regardless of their taxonomic group. This method aims to provide a complete inventory of biodiversity, which can help identify species richness, distribution, and ecological interactions. Such surveys are essential for conservation efforts and understanding ecological dynamics.
Recommended video:
11:28Putting it All Together
Data Limitations
While data from all-taxa surveys can significantly enhance our understanding of biodiversity, there are inherent limitations. These include potential biases in species detection, incomplete sampling, and the challenge of identifying cryptic species. Additionally, the data may not fully represent temporal changes in biodiversity, making it essential to interpret findings with caution.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:51Factors Limiting Population Growth
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Why is the common phrase "humans and animals" not accurate in biology? Suggest one way that a more scientific outlook could boost conservation efforts.
2
views
Textbook Question
Some biologists prefer to focus efforts on preserving endangered species while others prefer to focus on preserving ecosystems. What is your advice to biologists, based on the evidence?
Textbook Question
Explain why the construction of wildlife corridors can help maintain genetic diversity in a fragmented landscape.
Textbook Question
The population size of mountain pine beetles in the American Northwest has long been held in check by freezing temperatures during the winters. As winters warm, populations of pine beetles are increasing, killing whitebark pine forest. Grizzly bears rely on the nuts of whitebark pine trees. Do you think climate change is affecting the fitness of the grizzly bear population?
a. No, because climate change is affecting the beetles, not the bears.
b. Yes, because climate change is decreasing the food supply of the bears, which means they will be less strong.
c. Yes, because climate change is decreasing the food supply of the bears, which is likely to reduce their ability to survive or reproduce.