Question 2.2The information in the table is a record of the number of different animalspecies in South Africa and in the world.Taxon Number of species in SA Number of species in the worldVERTEBRATES X 59813Mammals 318 5417Birds 793 9958Reptiles 171 5242Amphibians 287 6200Fish Freshwater 120 9413Marine 3331 20593INVERTEBRATES 66184 1203377Insects – 950012Molluscs – 81000Crustaceans – 40000Corals – 217710Question 2.2.1 [1 mark]How many vertebrate animal species (X) occur in South Africa?Question 2.2.2 [3 marks]What percentage of the total number of marine fish in the world is representedby the South African marine fish? Show all your work.Question 2.2.3 [1 mark]According to the table, which invertebrate animal species contributes the mostto biodiversity in the world?Question 2.2.4 [4 marks]Explain TWO ways in which humans would be affected if all the insects were tobecome extinct.[9 marks]Question 2.3The apparatus shown below was used in an investigation to determine the effectof light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.11

Question 2.2.1: To find the total number of vertebrate species in South Africa, we need to add up the number of each type of vertebrate species listed.

318 (Mammals) + 793 (Birds) + 171 (Reptiles) + 287 (Amphibians) + 120 (Freshwater Fish) + 3331 (Marine Fish) = 5020

So, there are 5020 vertebrate species in South Africa.

Question 2.2.2: To find the percentage of the total number of marine fish in the world that is represented by South African marine fish, we divide the number of South African marine fish by the total number of marine fish in the world and multiply by 100.

(3331 / 20593) * 100 = 16.18%

So, 16.18% of the total number of marine fish in the world is represented by South African marine fish.

Question 2.2.3: According to the table, insects contribute the most to biodiversity in the world among invertebrate animal species, with 950012 species.

Question 2.2.4: If all the insects were to become extinct, humans would be affected in two major ways:

1. Pollination: Many insects, especially bees, play a crucial role in the pollination of plants, including many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that make up a significant portion of the human diet. Without insects to pollinate these plants, food production could decrease significantly.

2. Ecosystem Balance: Insects also play a vital role in the food chain, serving as a primary food source for many birds, amphibians, and small mammals. Their extinction could lead to the collapse of these populations, disrupting the balance of ecosystems and potentially leading to the extinction of other species.