Section 1 Biodiversity – short for biological diversity Refers to the number of different species...
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Transcript of Section 1 Biodiversity – short for biological diversity Refers to the number of different species...
Section 1
Biodiversity – short for “biological diversity”Refers to the number of different species in
an areaA lot of biodiversity means a lot of
ecosystem stability!
Why should we study biodiversityThe 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?
Known species = 1.7 million (mostly insects)
Total species = 10 million (just an estimate)
Unknown species exist in remote wilderness, deep in oceans, and even in cities.
Levels of BiodiversitySpecies Diversity
Number of different species in an area Most attention at this level
Ecosystem Diversity Variety of habitats, communities, and ecological
processes
Genetic Diversity 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
Species and Population SurvivalGenetic diversity increases the chance that
some members of a population will survive environmental changes.
Medical, Industrial, and Agricultural UsesPeople use a variety of organisms for food,
clothing, shelter and medicine.¼ of drugs are derived from plantsAlmost all antibiotics come from chemicals
found in fungi.
Ethics, 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 A form of tourism that supports the conservation
and sustainable development ecologically unique areas.
Region of Earth which is 1) extremely biologically diverse2) 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 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 Destruction and FragmentationAs populations grow, we use more land to
build homes and harvest resources.Habitat loss causes almost 75% of the
extinctions now occurring.
Invasive Exotic SpeciesExotic Species – not native to a particular
regionExotic 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.
Pollution 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 Breeding ProgramsBreeding species in captivity
Preserving Genetic MaterialStore 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 StrategiesPriority 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 laws1973 – Endangered Species Act
Recovery and Habitat Conservation PlansA plan that attempts to protect one or more
species across large areas of land through trade-offs or cooperative agreements.
International Cooperation International Trade and Poaching
The Biodiversity Treaty Preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable
and fair use of genetic resources in all countries.
Private Conservation Efforts World Wildlife Fund The Nature Conservancy Conservation Internation