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BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity BIODIVERSITY: The number of different species in an area Factors that affect biodiversity in an ecosystem include Area 2) Climate 3) Diversity of niches 1) Climate In general, the number of species increases from the poles toward the equator . The Value of Biodiversity Why is Biodiversity important? Value to the Ecosystem A species that influences the survival of many other species in an ecosystem is called a Keystone species. Extinction of a Species The disappearance of all members of a species from earth is called Extinction (Extinct Species) Extinction of a Species Species in danger of becoming extinct in the near future are considered Endangered Species. Endangered Species Extinction of a Species Species that could become endangered in the near future are considered Threatened Species. Extinct and Threatened Species Causes of Extinction Human activity can threaten biodiversity. These activities include 1) 2) 3) 4) Habitat destruction Poaching Pollution Introduction of Exotic Species Habitat Destruction The major cause of extinction is habitat destruction Habitat Destruction Habitat Destruction is the loss of a natural habitat. Habitat Destruction Breaking larger habitats into smaller, isolated pieces, or fragments is called Habitat Fragmentation Habitat Destruction Habitat fragmentation is very harmful to large mammals These animals usually need large areas of land to find enough food to survive. Poaching The illegal killing or removal of wildlife is called Poaching Poaching People illegally remove organisms from their habitats and sell them as pets. Poaching Poaching Pollution Some species are endangered due to pollution Pollutants may kill or weaken organisms or cause birth defects Exotic Species Introducing exotic species into an ecosystem can threaten biodiversity Introduced into new habitats, these organisms often become invasive species that reproduce rapidly. Examples of Exotic ( Invasive) Species Humans have accidentally and sometimes intentionally imported organisms into areas where they have no natural enemies. Without natural enemies, organisms reproduce in large numbers. This leads to the disruption of an existing ecosystem. Example:Invasive species in America Protecting Biodiversity Three successful approaches to protecting biodiversity are captive breeding, laws and treaties, and habitat preservation. Captive Breeding Captive breeding is mathing of animals in zoos or wildlife preserves. It was the only hope for the California condor, the largest bird in North America. Today, there are more than 200 California condors. Though successful, this program has cost more than $20 million. You can see the drawback of captive breeding. Laws and Treaties Laws can help protect individual species. In the United States, the Endangered Species Act prohibits trade in products made from threatened or endangered species. American alligators and green sea turtles have begun to recover as a result of this law. Habitat Preservation The most effective way to preserve biodiversity is to protect whole ecosystems. Protecting whole ecosystems saves not only endangered species, but also the species they depend upon and those that depend upon them. Habitat Preservation Beginning in 1872 with Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, many countries have set aside wildlife habitats as parks and refuges.