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 Biodiversity – short for “biological diversity.” The number of species known to science is about 1.7 million, most of which are insects. Actual number.

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Presentation on theme: " Biodiversity – short for “biological diversity.” The number of species known to science is about 1.7 million, most of which are insects. Actual number."— Presentation transcript:

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3  Biodiversity – short for “biological diversity.” The number of species known to science is about 1.7 million, most of which are insects. Actual number estimated at 10 million  Levels of Diversity Species diversity – number of different species in an area. Ecosystem diversity – variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within and between ecosystems. Genetic diversity – different genes contained within all members of a population.

4 1. Species are connected to ecosystems. Every species is either dependent on or depended upon by at least one other species in ways that are not obvious. Keystone species – one clearly critical to the functioning of an ecosystem.  Sea otter – hunted in 1800’s – sea urchins multiplied – kelp disappears - 1937 sea otters protected – kelp regenerates

5 2. Species and population survival Genetic diversity critical Small, isolated populations less likely to survive environmental changes  Genetic diversity decreases – more genetic diseases

6 3. Medical, Industrial, and Agricultural Uses For some industries, undiscovered and poorly studied species represent a source of potential products Some crops are hybrids – crops developed by combining genetic material from more than one population

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8  Mass extinctions – the extinction of many species in a relatively short period of time. Earth has had several

9  Endangered species – a species that is likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken immediately.  Threatened species – a species that has a declining population and that is likely to become endangered if it is not protected.

10 1. Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation Human population continues to grow – build homes – destroy and fragment (or separate) habitats. Florida panther – in 2003, fewer than 100 Florida panther Searching for the Black Sifaka - Planet in Peril 2. Invasive exotic species Exotic species – one not native to a particular area Do not have any predators in area Usually brought into country by accident

11 3. Harvesting, Hunting, and Poaching In 1800s and 1900s bison hunted to near extinction Thousands of rare species worldwide harvested and sold for use as pets, houseplants, wood, food, or herbal medicine Poaching – illegal hunting, fishing, harvesting, and trade of wildlife  Continues in poor countries because local species a source of food, medicine, or income  http://science.time.com/2013/11/06/western-black- rhino-declared-extinct/ http://science.time.com/2013/11/06/western-black- rhino-declared-extinct/

12 4. Pollution – Pesticides, cleaning agents, drugs, and other chemicals enter food webs around the world DDT – bald eagle

13  Tropical Rain Forests – remaining rain forests cover only 7% of the Earth’s land surface, however, biologists estimate over half of the world’s species live here.  Coastal Reefs and Coastal Ecosystems – threatened by overfishing and pollution

14  Islands – hold a distinct but limited set of species Have evolved to live on specific island  Galapagos finches

15  Biodiversity Hotspots – the most threatened areas of high species diversity on Earth.

16 Planet in Peril: Hunting for Snares

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18  Captive-Breeding Programs – breeding species in captivity, with hope of reintroducing populations to their natural habitats California condor  Preserving Genetic Material Germ plasm – any form of genetic material, such as that contained within the reproductive, or germ, cells of animals and plants. Germ-plasm banks store germ plasm for future research or species recovery efforts.  Zoos, Aquariums, Parks, and Gardens Help preserve last few remaining members of a species

19  US Laws – Endangered Species Act – passed in 1973 by US Congress Protects plant and animal species in danger of extinction  Recovery and Habitat Conservation Plans Propose to protect or restore habitat for a species Habitat conservation plan – a plan that attempts to protect one or more species across large areas of land through trade-offs or cooperative agreements

20  International Trade and Poaching International Treaty (CITES) was first effective effort to stop slaughter on African elephants Proposed a worldwide ban on all ivory trade  The Biodiversity Treaty – International agreement to preserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable and fair use of genetic resources in all countries  Private conservation efforts – private organizations working to protect species worldwide The World Wildlife Fund


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