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IB Biology Topic A4.2 Conservation of Biodiversity… | RevisionDojo

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A1.1 Water

A1.2 Nucleic acids

A2.1 Origins of cells (HL)

A2.2 Cell structure

A2.3 Viruses (HL)

A3.1 Diversity of organisms

A3.2 Classification and cladistics (HL)

A4.1 Evolution and speciation

A4.2 Conservation of biodiversity

B1.1 Carbohydrates and lipids

B1.2 Proteins

B2.1 Membranes and membrane transport

B2.2 Organelles and compartmentalization

B2.3 Cell specialization

B3.1 Gas exchange

B3.2 Transport

B3.3 Muscle and motility (HL)

B4.1 Adaptation to environment

B4.2 Ecological niches

C1.1 Enzymes and metabolism

C1.2 Cell respiration

C1.3 Photosynthesis

C2.1 Chemical signalling (HL)

C2.2 Neural signalling

C3.1 Integration of body systems

C3.2 Defense against disease

C4.1 Populations and communities

C4.2 Transfer of energy and matter

D1.1 DNA replication

D1.2 Protein synthesis

D1.3 Mutations and gene editing

D2.1 Cell and nuclear division

D2.2 Gene expression (HL)

D2.3 Water potential

D3.1 Reproduction

D3.2 Inheritance

D3.3 Homeostasis

D4.1 Natural selection

D4.2 Sustainability and change

D4.3 Climate change

IB
A4.2 Conservation of biodiversity

A4.2A Biodiversity, extinction and ecosystem loss

Key Definitions

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Subtopics and learning objectives

A4.2.1 Biodiversity as the variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations

A4.2B The biodiversity crisis and approaches to conservation

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Understanding Biodiversity: Life at Every Level

It includes all living organisms, the ecosystems they inhabit, and the genetic differences within and between populations.
Biodiversity can be understood on three levels:
1. Ecosystem Diversity
2. Species Diversity
3. Genetic Diversity
These levels form the foundation for ecosystems' ability to function, adapt, and sustain life.

Ecosystem Diversity: Different Habitats Provide Different Services

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a region or across the globe.
This includes their physical characteristics and the organisms they support.

Example

Rainforests, coral reefs, grasslands, wetlands, and tundra are all examples of ecosystems.

Why is ecosystem diversity important?
Ecosystems provide critical services that support life, such as:
1. Climate regulation: Forests absorb CO2 and moderate global temperatures.
2. Water purification: Wetlands filter pollutants from water and reduce flood risks.
3. Soil fertility: Grasslands prevent soil erosion and enrich it with nutrients.
Each ecosystem interacts with others.

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A4.2.1 Biodiversity as the variety of life in all its forms, levels and combinations
A4.2.2 Comparisons between current number of species on Earth and past levels of biodiversity
A4.2.3 Causes of anthropogenic species extinction
A4.2.4 Causes of ecosystem loss

Definition

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the total variety of life on Earth.