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