Humans & the Environment Part 2: Biodiversity

INTERESTING FACTS “Scientists estimate that there are between 10 million to 100 million organisms on Earth. Only 1.4 million have been indentified.” -Science Q&A Ecosystems “About 118 of the top 150 prescription drugs in America contain chemicals derived from plants, fungi and other species.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year “Insects pollinate crops worth $6-12 billion a year in the USA.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year “Scientists estimate that species extinctions are occurring 100 to 1000 times faster than without human influence. Without a change in our actions half of the world's species may be lost by 2100.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year “In the USA alone, nearly 4,500 known species are threatened with extinction.” -International Biodiversity Observation Year

BIO di VERSITY

Look at pages 150-155!

BIODIVERSITY: THREATS VALUE CONSERVATION: STRATEGIES CHALLENGES sum total of the genetically based variety of all organisms in the biosphere CONSERVATION: STRATEGIES CHALLENGES

ANSWERS BIODIVERSITY: VALUE Altering habitats THREATS VALUE BIODIVERSITY: Altering habitats (Habitat Fragmentation) Hunting species to extinction Introducing toxics to food webs Introducing invasive species Earth’s greatest natural resource Food Industrial products Medicines sum total of the genetically based variety of all organisms in the biosphere STRATEGIES CONSERVATION: CHALLENGES To describe the wise management of natural resources & Preservation of habitats and wildlife Endangered Species Preservation Act Captive Breeding Programs National parks, forests, & other protected areas Saving the tropical rain forests in developing countries Locating problem areas (“hot spots”) Making a priority list