Environmental Studies

IDC3O3

Ms. Nguyen and Ms. Topp

BIODIVERSITY

*What is Biodiversity?*Biodiversity or ‘biological diversity’,

refers to the variety of life on Earth

*It includes all living things, including plants, animals, micro-organisms, and their unique characteristics

*What is Biodiversity?*‘We’ divide the concept of biodiversity up

and look at it at 3 different levels – can you guess what they are?

*Three levels of biodiversity:

*1) Ecosystems

*2) Species

*3) Genes (genetic diversity)

*Ecosystem Diversity*= the variety of habitats, living communities, ad ecological processes on Earth

*Biodiversity at this level is important because ecosystems provide natural services for us:

*Ecosystem services such as pollution breakdown and absorption

*Biological resources, such as food

*Social benefits, such as recreation and tourism

*Ultimately, ecosystem diversity ensures the health of the entire planet!

*Species Diversity*= the variety of species in a given area

*Species diversity is important because species ensure that ecosystems survive

*Why? Each species depends on the services provided by other species to ensure survival

*Creates a balanced ecosystem – which ensures ecosystem services function properly too!

*Everything is interconnected

*Species diversity

*Genetic Diversity

*Yellow Warbler Mug ShotsCan you see the diff erence?

*Genetic Diversity*= the variety of genetic characteristics in a species

*Genetic diversity ensures that parents pass on the traits that their offspring need to survive

*E.g. of traits = disease resistance and physical features

*Overall, genetic diversity in a population increases the ability to avoid inbreeding and withstand stress

*Biodiversity Status*There are estimated to be between 5 million and 20 million species on Earth

*We’ve only identified 1.8 million species

*56% of species = insects

*14% = plants

*3% = vertebrates

*It is estimated that Canada has ~ 140,000 different species

*Biodiversity Threats*Unfortunately, we are losing species at an unprecedented rate – estimated to be up to 1000x greater than the natural rate of extinction!

*Experts believe we are witnessing the next major mass extinction event – the last being the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

*Major threats to biodiversity loss are:

*Habitat loss and degradation

*Climate change

*Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution

*Over-exploitation and unsustainable use

*Invasive alien species

*Biodiversity Threats*Video from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

*http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions

*TED Talks – EO Wilson – On saving the life on earth.

*http://video.ted.com/talks/podcast/EOWilson_2007.mp4

*As E.O. Wilson accepts his 2007 TED Prize, he makes a plea on behalf of all creatures that we learn more about our biosphere -- and build a networked encyclopedia of all the world's knowledge about life.