1 Review Describe the different components of global biodiversity

2 Review What are the major threats to biodiversity3 Review What is the goal of a species survival plan Form an Opinion Do you think that the hot spot

strategy is a good one- explain

CH 6 HUMANS IN THE BIOSPHERE6.3 Biodiversity

The Value of Biodiversity

Biodiversity Total of all the genetically based variation in all

organisms in the biosphere What value does it offer society.

Types of Biodiversity

Ecosystem diversity Variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes

Species diversity Number of different species in the biosphere, or in a

particular area Genetic diversity

Total of all different forms of genetic information carried by a particular species or by all organisms.

Valuing Biodiversity

Medicine Wild species were the beginnings of most medicines

Agriculture Most crops and livestock have wild ancestors

Ecosystem Services Interrelatedness of species.

Stability

The greater number of organisms in a food web the more stable Why

Especially true for producers

Greater Variety Greater Stability.

Threats to Biodiversity

Altering habitats, hunting, introducing invasive species, pollution, and contributing to climate change

Most are human caused Current rate of species loss is approaching 1000

times the “typical” rate.

Simplify

What gets planted in a farm field Why

What happens if Potato blight (Ireland) Corn Borer Dutch Elm Disease Emerald Ash Borer.

Altered Habitats

Natural habitats are lost for agriculture or for urban development

Number of species drops, and some become extinct

Habitat fragmentation Splitting up ecosystem and leaving small chunks

surrounded by a different habitat.

Hunting and the Demand for Wildlife Products

Over hunting can lead to extinction Food, pelts, skins, feathers, animal parts.

Introduced Species

Species moved from one habitat to another Often can out compete native species Lack of predators or species to control their

growth.

Pollution

Can kill organisms, lower reproductive rate, alter environment.

Climate Change

Most organisms have a specific tolerance and can survive in only a particular environment and climate.

Protecting Individual Species

Book Association of Zoos

and Aquariums (AZA) Species survival plans

(SSPs)

More familiar Endangered Species

List Threatened Species

List.

Preserving Habitats and Ecosystems

Government Parks Forests Wetlands Grasslands BLM CRP Shorelines Rivers

Conservation Groups Nature Conservancy Private

parks/reserves.

Ecological Hot Spot

Place where significant numbers of species and habitats are in immediate danger of extinction.

Considering Local Interests

United States government has offered tax credits for hybrid cars or green energy

Communities in other countries, rather than farm or log, set aside land as nature reserves and make money off tourists

Farmers are paid to plant trees along rivers and streams

Carbon credits for industries.