Download Biodiversity

Section 1
 Biodiversity
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short for “biological diversity”
Refers to the number of different species in an
area
A lot of biodiversity means a lot of ecosystem
stability!
 Why
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–
should we study biodiversity
The complex relationships are hard to study, but
humans need to understand and preserve
biodiversity for our own survival.
 Unknown
Diversity – how many species are
there on Earth?
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Known species = 1.7 million (mostly insects)
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Total species = 10 million (just an estimate)
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Unknown species exist in remote wilderness,
deep in oceans, and even in cities.
Levels of Biodiversity
 Species Diversity
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Ecosystem Diversity
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Number of different species in an area
Most attention at this level
Variety of habitats, communities, and ecological
processes
Genetic Diversity
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All the different genes contained within all members
of a population

Biodiversity affects the stability of ecosystems
and the sustainability of populations.

Species are connected to ecosystems
Every species is depended on or depends on at least
one other species, in ways that are not always
obvious.
 Keystone Species – species that are critical to the
functioning of an ecosystem
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 Species
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and Population Survival
Genetic diversity increases the chance that some
members of a population will survive
environmental changes.
 Medical,
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Industrial, and Agricultural Uses
People use a variety of organisms for food,
clothing, shelter and medicine.
¼ of drugs are derived from plants
Almost all antibiotics come from chemicals found
in fungi.
 Ethics,
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Aesthetics, and Recreation
Some people believe that we should preserve
biodiversity for ethical reasons.
Species and ecosystems have a right to exist whether
or not they have any other value.
Each organisms is a gift with a higher purpose.
Ecotourism
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A form of tourism that supports the conservation and
sustainable development ecologically unique areas.
 Region
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of Earth which is
1) extremely biologically diverse
2) under severe threat due to habitat loss,
climate change, or extensive species loss.
Section 2
 Between
1800 and 2100, up to 25% of all
species on Earth may have become extinct.
 Mass
Extinction – the extinction of many
species in a relatively short period of time.
 Species
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Prone to Extinction
Species with small populations in small areas.
Species that migrate, those that need large or
special habitats, and those that are exploited by
humans.
 Endangered
Species – a species that is likely to
become extinct if protective measures are not
taken immediately.
 Threatened
Species – a species with a
declining population and that is likely to
become endangered
 Habitat
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As populations grow, we use more land to build
homes and harvest resources.
Habitat loss causes almost 75% of the extinctions
now occurring.
 Invasive
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Destruction and Fragmentation
Exotic Species
Exotic Species – not native to a particular region
Exotic species can threaten native species that
have no natural defenses against them

Harvesting, Hunting, and Poaching
Thousands of rare species worldwide are harvested
and sold for use as pets, houseplants, wood, food, or
herbal medicine.
 Many countries have laws to regulate hunting, fishing,
harvesting and trade of wildlife.
 When these crimes continue illegally it is called
poaching.
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Pollution
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Pesticides, cleaning agents, drugs, and other
chemicals make their way into the food webs around
the world.
The long term effects of chemicals may not be clear
until many years have passed.
 Endemic
Species – species that are native to
and found only within a limited area.
 Tropical
Rain Forests
 Coral Reefs and Coastal Ecosystems
 Islands
Section 3
 Captive
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Breeding Programs
Breeding species in captivity
 Preserving
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Genetic Material
Store genetic material for future use in research
or species-recovery efforts.
Material may be stored as seeds, sperm, eggs, or
DNA.
 Zoos,
Aquariums, Parks and Gardens
 Conservation
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Strategies
Priority to protecting entire ecosystems instead
of individual species
Identify areas of native habitats that can be
preserved, restored, and linked into large
networks.
 More
Study Needed
 US
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laws
1973 – Endangered Species Act
 Recovery
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and Habitat Conservation Plans
A plan that attempts to protect one or more
species across large areas of land through tradeoffs or cooperative agreements.
 International
Cooperation
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International Trade and Poaching
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The Biodiversity Treaty
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Preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable and
fair use of genetic resources in all countries.
Private Conservation Efforts
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World Wildlife Fund
The Nature Conservancy
Conservation Internation