Download Biodiversity

Biodiversity
The variety of life in an area that is
affected by abiotic and biotic
conditions
Extinction
• When the last member of a species dies
• Biodiversity health depends on genetic,
species, and ecosystem diversity
Is genetic diversity Important?
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes
within a species population.
The greater the diversity, the greater chance
a species will survive disease ,
environmental changes, and decreases in
food sources
Species Diversity
The number of different species and
the abundance of those species in a
biological community Ex. high
(rainforest) low (polar regions)
Ecosystem diversity
The variety of ecosystems present in the
biosphere – Different locations have different
abiotic and biotic factors that affect species
Is biodiversity important to
humans?
Preserving genetic diversity is extremely
important to humans – food, clothing shelter,
medicine and energy
Name 3 reasons why you believe biodiversity
is important to humans
Indirect reasons to increase
Biodiversity
Cleaning up ecosystems and water supplies
costs less money in the long run, future
medicine, preventing extinction of species
Background Extinction
Gradual process by which species become
extinct caused by Humans, natural
processes, climate change, natural disasters
Mass Extinctions
Many scientists believe we are in a period of
mass extinctions because many species are
becoming endangered in a short period of time
Extinction rates due to humans
Over exploration – excessive use of species for economic
value
Over Exploitation – Humans over kill species for
economic reasons
Ie: white rhinos – tusks, Siberian tigers - medicines,
elephants – tusks, Whales oil
Habitat Loss Affects Biodiversity
Changing one thing in an ecosystem will affect
many species. Cutting down plants in a rain
forests leads to the extinction of many species
Pollution that Affects Biodiversity
Biological magnification occurs when there is
high levels of toxins that buildup in the
environment and affect species at higher trophic
levels Ex - DDT, Acid from burning fossil fuels
Eutrophication
Pollution that affects underwater species and
habitats ( oil spillage, pesticides, fertilizers,
sewage)
Non Native or Invasive Species
They destroy habitats and ecosystems due to
over populating the areas and taking over
resources
Ex. Fire Ants, Zebra Mussels