Biodiversity Aa Aa Ecologists are interested in quantifying different kinds of biodiversity. In each of the two studies outlined here, which kind of biodiversity are ecologists studying? Ecologists examine several small areas, called plots, in a Minnesota grassland. In each plot, they list the plant species and place each species into one of five categories. Each category represents a set of ecological processes that are important in a grassland ecosystem. For example, the nitrogen-fixing category includes plants that convert nitrogen in the atmosphere into a nitrogen compound that all of the plants are able to use. The ecologists then compare ecological characteristics among the plots, noting which plot includes plants in more or fewer of these Ecologists examine satellite imagery of South America. By comparing the wavelengths of light reflected by the vegetation, they can classify the vegetation in different regions of the continent. For example, grasslands, deciduous forests, and evergreen forests all reflect light differently in different wavelengths. The ecologists, therefore, are able to map and quantify the extent of the various types of plant 1. Ecosystem diversity
2. Genetic diversity
3. Functional diversity
4. Species diversity
5. Species diversity
6. Ecosystem diversity
7. Genetic diversity
8. Functional diversity
One way to think about the importance of biodiversity is simply to think in terms of natural capital: the roles that genes, species, ecosystems, and ecological processes play in supporting human society and a healthy biosphere Which of the following are benefits provided by biodiversity?
1. Providing nutritious foods
2. Decomposing dead organisms
3. Maintaining clean water
4. Stopping human overpopulation