Geography 101 The Physical Environment
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Video Assignment
"Biodiversity"

This segment from the "Rediscovering Biology" series explores current field experiments studying complex ecosystems and how environmental and biodiversity changes might affect their functions. Answer the questions below after viewing the video online.

To view the video go to the "Rediscovering Biology", scroll down to "Biodiversity" and click on the "VOD" button. You may be asked to register (for free) with the site. A broadband connection (campus network, cable, DSL) is necessary to watch the video.

By the conclusion of the assignment you should be able to:

  • Describe the effect of species diversity and richness on ecosystem stability.
  • Explain how habitat fragmentation affects human-species interaction.
  • Describe how human activities impact species extinction rate.

Full Name:

Full email address (e.g., username@uwsp.edu)

 

1. What is the "portfolio effect"?

 

2. Describe how more diverse ecosystems promote stability when exposed to a disturbance.

 

3. How does the dilution effect and species richness affect human exposure to Lyme disease?

 

4. How does forest fragmentation affect Lyme disease risk?

 

5. Why is the present human-caused species extinction of particular concern?

 

 

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© Michael Ritter mritter@uwsp.edu
Last revised March 11, 2007