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Biodiversity and Conservation Biology EB Lecture 8 2008 Spring Case study • Siberian Tiger Siberian Tiger Found • Before 20th century – Large region • Turkey to Russia to Indonesia • Lived with by locals • After 20th century – Small tracks of forest in the far reaches of Russia – Number down to a little as 20 – Now near 1000 Siberian Tiger • What led to the drop in number of this species? • What of other species? • Mass extinction event happening now.. Biodiversity • The sum of all the organisms in a given area • But, it can vary according to the biologist and situation… Species • Species richness - refers to the number of species in a given area. – Density of species – Richness of Species • New Species are born via speciation • Species die due to extinction Sub-species • What is a sub-species? • Either you are pregnant or you are not! • Differ in some aspect – – – – Height Coloration Size But are still able to mate and generate viable fertile offspring. Genetic Diversity • Everyone differs from others in their DNA to some degree (except?) • So there is genetic diversity present in all species and populations • Genetic Diversity provides the raw material for evolution - survival of the fittest. Genetic Diversity.. • More genetic diversity = more flexibility to adapt to environmental changes • Less genetic diversity = depressed genetic diversity = less chance of survival • Inbreeding = mating between genetically related individuals = less fitness = more diseases surface. • How? Give examples in humans. In aminals? Ecosystem Diversity • Above the species level • Refers to the number and variety of ecosystems • Again density of types in important here too… – Same area of land but with differing biodiversity and ecosystems. How much biodiversity • Hard concept to measure • We have documented about 2 million species today • Estimated that there are a total of 2 to 100 million altogether!!!!! • Where are they all? Insects rule • Insects account for most of the known types • Followed by Protists • And Fungi • And Arachnids • We may find many more bacterial species and other smaller life forms… Species Richness and location • As one approaches the equator the levels of species richness increases greatly. Why? • Plant growth rate? • Glaciation? Extinction • • • • • Lost for ever, and ever, and ever… Loss of a local population = extirpation Many species are extinct now 99% of species that ever lived are gone. On going process, with one species lost for every 1 to 10 million in existence • Background rate = above number… Extinction.. • Rapid loss of species = Mass extinction • 5 mass extinction events in the last half a billion years. • About half the species die on Earth • Fifth of these killed the dinosaurs • Latest one (6th)is caused by man and will effect man!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Extinction... • Many species have gone extinct recently, including, • Tigers • 8 sub-species existed • 3 are extinct • 5 are tittering on the edge…. YOUR HELP AND UNDERSTANDING IS NEEDED Biodiversity has another parameter too… • Species numbers are one measure • The other is population numbers of each species • They are mostly on the decline • Which species are on the rise? • By one such measure there has been a 40% reduction in numbers of many species. Biodiversity loss by… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Habitat Alteration Invasive species Pollution Overharvesting Climate Change 1) Habitat Alteration • Mainly by human activity • HOW? • Primary cause of reduced biodiversity. – 85% of mammals – 85% of birds • • • • GONE FOREVER 45% of forests are lost 50% of mangroves 10% of coral reefs 2) Invasive species • Introduction of non-native species – Accidental • Examples – Intentional • Examples – Economic damage can be tremendous – Most perish but some thrive!!!!! 3) Pollution • • • • • Not as devastating as the previous two Air pollution Water pollution Soil pollution Mostly man made… 4) Overharvesting • This factor is dependent upon the life style of the hunted • Organisms few in number and with long reproductive cycles and few offspring are at risk!!! • Siberian Tigers fit this model… 5) Climate Change • Man’s activity and use of fossil fuels is having an effect on the environment • Rising temperatures • Changing weather patterns • Air and ocean currents • Ice shelves • Plant growth and deserification You and Me My wife • Population growth • Consumption – These two forces are responsible for the increase in loss of biodiversity WHY CARE! Does it matter, if just humans and their food supply remain? Free of Charge • The various ecosystems provide us with; 1. Clean air 2. Fresh water 3. Buffering systems against floods and drought 4. Reservoirs of genetic variation And a lot more at no cost! And more… • • • • Drugs - treat ulcers Medicines - anticancer compounds Tourism - ecotourism Better solutions - better sweeteners • Biophilia - the connection to nature! Conservation Biology Conservation Biology • - that branch of biology devoted to understanding the • factors, forces, and processes • that influence • the loss, protection, and restoration • of biological diversity Tools • Regulations – Endangered Species Act (ESA) USA – Passed in 1973 – Stops habitat destruction of endangered species – Spotted Owl – California Condor Zoos • Captive breeding programs designed to rear healthy at risk species and introduction back to natural habitat. • Slow • Single species approach International treaties • CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora – Protecting the high-land gorillas • Convention on Biological Diversity – Promotes biodiversity by conserving biodiversity – 188 nations signed, but not US Umbrella Species • • • • Take likable species - like panda Have the public relate to it Protect its vast habitat Also end up protecting many other species in that protected habitat. Biodiversity Hotspots • This list includes 34 of the highest density hotspots and aims to use the limited resources to protect these first. Community-based conservation • Educate and involve the locals • Share revenues or promote locally grown products, or tourist revenues • Basis of modern ecotourism