Ch.10 : Biodiversity Section 1: What is Biodiversity? the number of different species in an area the number of different species in an area The term was first coined in 1988 in E.O. Wilson’s book “ Biodiversity” The term was first coined in 1988 in E.O. Wilson’s book “ Biodiversity” Why do we need biodiversity?

Instrumental Value when a species provides a benefit or utility to another entity: Direct instrumental value means that there is a measurable or quantifiable value. Ex.: Direct instrumental value means that there is a measurable or quantifiable value. Ex.: 1. Agricultural 2. Genetic diversity 3. Natural products 4. Materials 5. Environmental services

Ex.’s Instrumental Value Agriculture: of 250,000 species know of plants, approximately 60,000 provide nutrition. Agriculture: of 250,000 species know of plants, approximately 60,000 provide nutrition. 3 species of plants provide 50% of the world’s food supply (corn, wheat, rice) 3 species of plants provide 50% of the world’s food supply (corn, wheat, rice) Biological control – certain species help maintain pests ( ladybugs eat aphids) Biological control – certain species help maintain pests ( ladybugs eat aphids) Natural products: pesticides, medicines Natural products: pesticides, medicines Materials: wood, silk, waxes, latex Materials: wood, silk, waxes, latex

Intrinsic Value The intrinsic value of a species is that it has value and virtue in its own right, regardless if it benefits people or not. It’s easier to sell the instrumental value to the public, but not the intrinsic value It’s easier to sell the instrumental value to the public, but not the intrinsic value The biosphere is important!! The biosphere is important!!

How is biodiversity measured? The study of biodiversity begins with cataloging all the species that exist on earth. About 1.7 million species presently known About 1.7 million species presently known Most are insects Most are insects Estimate is about 10 million species – mainly smaller organisms Estimate is about 10 million species – mainly smaller organisms

3 Levels of Biodiversity Species diversity – the number of different species in an area. Ecosystem diversity – the variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within and between ecosystems. Genetic diversity – all of the different genes contained with all the members of a population.

Benefits of Biodiversity Affects the sustainability of ecosystems and populations Affects the sustainability of ecosystems and populations Species are connected to ecosystem cycles: food webs and energy flow Species are connected to ecosystem cycles: food webs and energy flow o Keystone species – a species clearly critical to the functioning of an ecosystem. Their loss could mean the loss of many other species. Genetic diversity increases the chance that some members of a population wil survive environmental changes. Genetic diversity increases the chance that some members of a population wil survive environmental changes.

Ecotourism a form of tourism that supports the conservation and sustainable development of ecologically unique areas

Section 2: Biodiversity At Risk 65 MYA about ½ the world’s species went extinct due to a series of changes in climate and ecosystems 65 MYA about ½ the world’s species went extinct due to a series of changes in climate and ecosystems The rate of extinctions is increasing The rate of extinctions is increasing Between % of species may become extinct Between % of species may become extinct Humans are the primary cause for the present mass extinction Humans are the primary cause for the present mass extinction

Species prone to extinction Those with small populations living in limited area Those with small populations living in limited area Migrating species Migrating species Species that need large or special habitats Species that need large or special habitats Species exploited by humans Species exploited by humans

Endangered species – likely to become extinct if protective measures not taken. Endangered species – likely to become extinct if protective measures not taken. Threatened species – species that has declining population and likely to become endangered Threatened species – species that has declining population and likely to become endangered

Endangered Species Florida panther Florida panther Painted batagur Painted batagur Pitcher Plant Pitcher Plant flheritage.com wildlifefarmer.net

Extinct Species Tasmanian tiger Tasmanian tiger Australian Stick Australian StickInsect Pterosaur Pterosaur petermaas.nl arizonaskiesmeteorites.com

Causes of Extinctions Habitat Loss – 36% Habitat Loss – 36% Pollution Pollution Poaching, Hunting, Collecting – 23% Poaching, Hunting, Collecting – 23% Over use Over use Invasive species – 39% Invasive species – 39%

Poaching Illegal hunting, fishing, harvesting and trade of wildlife tigerhomes.orgconservationbiology.net

Areas of Critical Biodiversity Tropical Rain forests – cover 7% of Earth yet contain 50% of Earth’s species. Tropical Rain forests – cover 7% of Earth yet contain 50% of Earth’s species. Coral Reefs and Coastal Ecosystems Coral Reefs and Coastal Ecosystems * contain the majority of the biodiversity of the ocean. * contain the majority of the biodiversity of the ocean. * Provide millions of people with food * Provide millions of people with food * Coastal areas are travel stops for migrating birds * Coastal areas are travel stops for migrating birds Islands – have very limited but distinct set of species. Ex. Honeycreepers. Endangered due to exotic species Islands – have very limited but distinct set of species. Ex. Honeycreepers. Endangered due to exotic species

Biodiversity Hot Spots the most threatened areas of high species diversity on earth

Hot Spots in the U.S.A. Florida Everglades Florida Everglades Coastal areas of California Coastal areas of California Hawaii Hawaii Midwestern prairies Midwestern prairies Forests of Pacific Northwest Forests of Pacific Northwest

Sec.3 The Future of Biodiversity Ways to Save Species: 1. Captive-Breeding Programs – breed in captivity and release back into the wild. 2. Preserving Genetic Material with germ plasm 3. Zoos, Aquariums, Parks, and Gardens Think about the Pros and Cons of Each…..

Conservation Strategy Conservatonists give priority to protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species. Conservatonists give priority to protecting entire ecosystems rather than individual species. Will save ALL species in ecosystem, including the endangered ones. Will save ALL species in ecosystem, including the endangered ones. The public is beginning to understand the importance of protecting Earth’s biosphere The public is beginning to understand the importance of protecting Earth’s biosphere Conservationists focus work on hot spots. Conservationists focus work on hot spots.

Legal Protection in the U.S. Endangered Species Act (pg. 273) Endangered Species Act (pg. 273) Recovery and Habitat Conservation Plan – a plan that attempts to protect one or more species across large areas of land through trade-offs or cooperative agreements. Recovery and Habitat Conservation Plan – a plan that attempts to protect one or more species across large areas of land through trade-offs or cooperative agreements.

International Protection 1. IUCN – International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Facilitates efforts to protect species and habitats Facilitates efforts to protect species and habitats 2. CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Stopped the slaughter of African elephants. 3. Biodiversity Treaty – Goal is to preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable and fair use of genetic resources in all countries.

What will you do to Save The Biosphere?