Cambridge AS & A Level Biology
18.2Biodiversity
Biodiversity in Cambridge AS & A Level Biology: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic66 practice questions3 lessons
Learning objectives
What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.
- 18.2.1Define ecosystem and niche.
- 18.2.2Explain that biodiversity is assessed at the levels of ecosystems and habitats, species and their abundance, and genetic variation.
- 18.2.3Explain why random sampling matters in assessing biodiversity.
- 18.2.4Use quadrats, line and belt transects and mark-release-recapture with the Lincoln index (formula provided).
- 18.2.5Use Spearman's rank and Pearson's linear correlation (formulae provided) to analyse relationships, including biotic and abiotic effects on distribution.
- 18.2.6Use Simpson's index of diversity (formula provided) and interpret its values.
Lessons
- Full access
Ecosystems, niches and the three levels of biodiversity
30 min
- Full access
Sampling organisms: quadrats, transects and mark-release-recapture
40 min
- Full access
Simpson's index of diversity and correlation tests
45 min
Join to read every lesson, or see what Full access includes.
Sample question
A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.
Turn Biodiversity into a strength.
Practise with instant marking, see your mastery grow and get a study plan built around your exam date.