Question

You are the world's foremost expert on lizards. You have traveled the world extensively and have found that a particular species of lizard is found only in one desert near of the Chilean Andes. Which of following terms, with regard to its distribution, can be definitively applied to this species? A. Endangered B. Prokaryotic C. Endemic D. Disbursed E. Clustered

Short answer

C. Endemic

Step-by-step solution

Understand Key Vocabulary

To answer the question correctly, first understand the meaning of the given terms: A. Endangered: At risk of extinction. B. Prokaryotic: Organisms without a nucleus. C. Endemic: Found only in a specific location. D. Disbursed: Spread out over a wide area. E. Clustered: Grouped together in one area.

Identify Relevant Detail from the Question

The question mentions that the lizard species is found only in one specific desert near the Chilean Andes. This is a key detail regarding the distribution of the species.

Match the Detail with the Vocabulary

Given that the species is found only in one geographical area, it matches the term 'Endemic,' which means it is native and restricted to that particular location.

Key concepts

Endemic Species

Endemic species are organisms that are found exclusively in a specific geographic location and nowhere else in the world. In the context of the exercise, the lizard species found only in one desert near the Chilean Andes is an excellent example of an endemic species. This means that the species has adapted to live in that particular environment and has not spread to other regions.

Endemic species can be exclusive to a variety of areas such as a particular island, forest, or even a mountain range. For example:

• Galapagos tortoises are endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
• Koalas are endemic to Australia.

Understanding that a species is endemic helps scientists focus on and develop targeted conservation efforts, as any threats to their specific habitat could lead to the species' extinction.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within particular ecosystems, geographic regions, or the entire planet. This includes the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecosystems. In ecosystems with high biodiversity, such as tropical rainforests, there is a wide variety of species living in close proximity.

High biodiversity is essential because it:

• Supports ecosystem functionality and resilience.
• Provides a wider range of genetic resources for medicine and agriculture.
• Enhances ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

Biodiversity is particularly relevant when discussing endemic species because the loss of an endemic species can significantly impact the biodiversity of its specific area.

Conservation Biology

Conservation biology is the scientific study aimed at protecting and managing biodiversity. It involves studying species, habitats, and ecosystems to understand factors that lead to species extinction and devising methods to prevent it. Conservation biology is especially crucial for endemic species because they are often more vulnerable to extinction due to their limited distribution.

Methods used in conservation biology include:

• Protected area designation to safeguard habitats.
• Restoration ecology to rebuild damaged ecosystems.
• Captive breeding and reintroduction programs for endangered species.

Effective conservation strategies can ensure the survival of both endemic species and the larger biodiversity of an area.

Geographical Distribution

Geographical distribution refers to the natural arrangement of species in different regions and environments across the world. Understanding the geographical distribution of a species helps ecologists identify patterns in diversity, assess risks, and prioritize conservation efforts.

Factors affecting geographical distribution include:

• Climate and weather patterns.
• Availability of food and water sources.
• Presence of predators or competitors.

In the exercise, the lizard's restricted geographical distribution to a single desert near the Chilean Andes shows its endemic nature. Such information is crucial for developing localized conservation plans to protect the habitat and ensure the species' long-term survival.