Life in Every Corner: Comprehensive Notes on Biodiversity

. What Is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity (short for biological diversity) is the variety of life forms on Earth, covering species, genes, and ecosystems. It shows how many kinds of organisms exist, how they differ genetically, and how various habitats fit together in one huge living network.
2. Levels of Biodiversity Assessment
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Species Level – Identify and count different species plus their relative abundance (proportion of individuals).
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Genetic Level – Measure variation in genes (alleles = alternative gene forms) within a population; high diversity means better adaptability.
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Ecosystem Level – Catalog distinct habitats like forests, wetlands, grasslands, and deserts, then study how their natural processes (nutrient cycling, energy flow) maintain overall ecological health.
3. Why Use Random Sampling?
- Minimises Bias – Every spot has an equal chance of being chosen.
- Produces Reliable Estimates – Generates numbers for species richness (total species count), abundance, and distribution.
- Enables Fair Comparisons – Same method lets you compare different sites or seasons.
- Captures True Diversity – Records both common and rare organisms.
- Guides Conservation – Pinpoints biodiversity hotspots and tracks changes over time.
4. Methods to Assess Distribution
- Quadrat Sampling – Divide the area into square quadrats; record species inside randomly picked squares. Perfect for plants and other sessile organisms (fixed in place, e.g., corals).
- Transect Sampling – Stretch a straight line (transect) across a habitat; log species at set points. Great for studying changes from high‑tide to low‑tide in an intertidal zone (coastline between tides).
- Aerial Surveys – Use planes or drones to scan large regions for waterfowl over wetlands or elephants on savannas.
5. Methods to Assess Abundance
- Point Counts – Stand at one spot; tally birds or calling frogs for a fixed time.
- Mark‑Recapture – Capture, mark, release, then recapture to estimate population size; adjusts for capture probability (chance an animal is caught).
- Quadrat Counts – Count individuals in each quadrat, then scale up to the whole site.
- Capture‑Recapture Models – Statistical upgrades that correct for animal movement between areas.
- Remote Sensing – Analyze satellite or drone images; ideal for vast or inaccessible spaces (e.g., rain‑forest canopy).
6. Essential Ecological Terms
- Ecosystem – A dynamic mix of living things (biotic factors) and non‑living elements (abiotic factors such as light, water, and soil) interacting together.
- Niche – The “job” a species performs: its habitat, diet, relationships (predator, competitor, symbiont), and role in energy flow.
- Species Richness – The total count of distinct species in an area.
- Relative Abundance – The share each species contributes to the overall population.
- Intertidal Zone – Coastal strip alternately submerged at high tide and exposed at low tide.
- Remote Sensing – Collecting data from afar (satellites or drones) without direct contact.
7. Key Takeaway
Studying biodiversity—from genes to ecosystems—shows how life knits together. Using unbiased sampling and the right field techniques lets scientists spot trends, safeguard fragile habitats, and keep Earth’s living tapestry vibrant for the future.
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