Download The Importance of Biodiversity

INTRODUTION
• “From the driest desert to the dripping
rainforests, from the highest mountain peaks
to the deepest ocean trenches, life on earth
occurs in a marvelous spectrum of sizes,
colors, shapes, life cycles, and
interrelationships. Think for a moment how
remarkable, varied, abundant, and important
the other living creatures are with whom we
share this planet. How will our lives be
impoverished if this biological diversity
Cunningham, 2003
diminishes?”
Cunningham, 2003
“Biodiversity refers to the varieties of organisms and complex ecological
relationships that give the biosphere its unique, productive characteristics”
The number of species in a specific habitat or
ecosystem
Global Biodiversity
Patterns and Processes
as you move
southward from
the North Pole (or
northward from
the South Pole) –
Global
biodiversity
increases
Functional Diversity
The biological and chemical processes such as energy
flow and matter recycling needed for the survival of species,
communities, and ecosystems.
Genetic Diversity
The variety of genetic material
within a species or a population.
Ecological Diversity
The variety of terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystems found in
an area or on the earth.
Species Diversity
The number and abundance of species
present in different communities
Fig. 3-12, p. 48
http://www.whole-systems.org/extinctions.html
Recent extinctions, endangered or threatened species in
North America, including Canada, go to:
http://www.currentresults.com/Endangered-Animals/North-America/recentlyextinct-animals.php
the loss of a species from the Earth.
a species that no longer lives in the wild in a
specific area but lives elsewhere.
a species that are in imminent danger of going
extinct or becoming extirpated.
a species that is likely to become endangered if
current trends and conditions continue.
a species that may become threatened or
endangered because of a combination of
factors
Hinterland Who’s Who – Species at Risk
Canada's (all categories above) Species
Causes of Extinction
Benefits of Biodiversity
•
•
•
•
•
•
Food and drink
Medicines
Industrial materials
Ecological services
Leisurely, cultural, and
aesthetic values
Causes of Biodiversity Loss
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pollution
Loss of tropical forest
Spread of urban areas
Warfare
Large dam construction
Road building
Tourism
Loss of traditional
lifestyles
Consequences of Biodiversity Loss
•
•
•
•
•
Loss of food
Decrease in biomass
Collapse of food web
Loss of keystone species
Reduction of ecosystem
efficiency and community
productivity
• Loss of medicinal supplies
• Increased vulnerability of
species to disease and
predation
Click on above or go to: http://www.biodiversityislife.net/