Unit 2Chapter 5Biological Diversity and Conservation

Biodiversity

The variety of species in a specific area

Ecosystems are stable if their biodiversity is maintained

Loss of biodiversity

Extinction The

disappearance of a species when the last of its species dies

Loss of biodiversityEndangered species When numbers become so low that

extinction is possible

Threats to Biodiversity Habitat

destruction Loss of a habitat

that cannot be reestablished easily, causing certain organisms to become vulnerable to extinction

Threats to BiodiversityOzone layer Absorbs some of

the ultraviolet waves, reducing the ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth’s surface

Threats to BiodiversityAcid Rain Any

precipitation with low pH, linked to the destruction of forests & lakes

Threats to BiodiversityPollution Degradation of

water, land or air environments, due to use of pesticides, algal blooms, etc

Conservation Biology The study and

implementation of methods to protect biodiversity

Preserving habitats

Ex: creation of parks & preserves

Zilker Park, Austin,

Conservation Biology Natural

resources The parts of the

environment that are useful and necessary for living organisms

Ex: sunlight, water, air, etc

Conservation BiologySustainable use Enabling people to use natural resources

in ways that will benefit them and maintain the ecosystem

Conservation Biology Reintroduction programs When organisms are taken from an area

in the wild and transported to an new suitable habitat

Reintroducing Otters into the wild

Layers of the atmosphere

Click on image to play video.