Biodiversity Bio - Life Diversity - Variety Biodiversity describes the variety of biological organisms in a given habitat, area, or ecosystem.

Levels of Biodiversity Ecosystem Diversity Species Diversity Genetic Diversity

Ecosystem An ecosystem is a community of living organisms, such as plants and animals, along with their environment, that is all interrelated.

Specialist or Generalist? Bobcat Pronghorn Black-tailed jackrabbit Painted turtle

Specialist or Generalist?

Species A species is a group of organisms with a unique set of characteristics, such as shape or behavior, that distinguishes them from all other organisms.

Insects Higher Plants Arthropods (non- insect) Fungi and Algae Sea Invertebrates Protozoa and Bacteria Worms Birds Fish Reptiles Mammals Amphibians

Biodiversity Hotspots

Species diversity To measure stability to determine if an environment is degrading To compare two or more environments

Species Richness The number of species in a particular place.

Species Evenness The relative quantities or proportions of individuals belonging to the different species. The number of species in the area (numerator) The total number of individuals in the area (denominator ) 4 = Is the community comprised of mainly one species or is a mix of several DIVERSE species?

2 =.17 12

5 = 1 5 Results closer to 1 are an indicator of greater species evenness.

Simpson’s Index Many diversity indices have been developed that combine different measures of biodiversity. One is called the Simpson’s Index. The Simpson’s Index includes BOTH species richness and species evenness in a single number.

How to Calculate Simpson’s Index D is the Simpson’s Index n is the total number of organisms of a particular species N is the total number of organisms of all species ∑ means “add up”! D= ∑ n(n - 1) N(N - 1)

Let’s Try an Example You have studied a specific site, and have counted the individuals of five different species. n is the total number of organisms of a particular species. Species A12 Species B3 Species C7 Species D4 Species E9 n

Simpson’s Index ∑ n(n - 1) = 264 D = ∑ n(n - 1) N(N - 1) Species A Species B326 Species C7642 Species D4312 Species E9872 ∑ n(n - 1)264 n - 1n(n - 1) n

Simpson’s Index D = ∑ n(n - 1) N(N - 1) N - 1 = 34 N(N - 1) = 1190 N = total number of all individuals = 35 = 264 N(N - 1) D = = This area would score on the Simpson’s Index. The scale ranges from 0–1, with 1 representing the lowest biodiversity. Therefore, the score for this area indicates a high level of biodiversity.

Genetic Diversity Variety of genes within and between different species.

Cheetah About 10,000 years ago all but one species of the cheetah.

Our Diversity Loose Attached Regular Hitchhiker Widow’s Peak

Our Diversity TraitFrequency GenderFemale – 50%Male – 50% EarlobesUnattached – 71%Attached – 29% Thumb extensionStraight – 64-75%Hitchhikers – 25 – 36% Tongue RollingCan roll - 65%Can’t roll – 35% Cheek DimplesDimples – 35%None – 65% HandednessRight – 90%Left – 10% Hand claspingLeft over right – 55%Right over left – 45% Hair CurlCurly – 65%Straight – 35% HairlineWidow’s – 70%Straight – 30% Color VisionNormal – females 100%, Males 92% Color blind – Males 8%

(L) Loose lobes (tt) Straight hair (C) Can curl (mm) No hair (E) Dark eyes (ww) No peak (B) bent finger Number

Biodiversity: The Spice of Life

Why Is Biodiversity Important? 1.For medical and economic reasons. 2.Biodiversity helps maintain important ecological processes that help support life on earth. 3.Our lives would not be as rich if we lost species. 4.All species have a right to exist. 5.No generation has the right to destroy resources that future generations will depend on. 6.Is important for inspiring inventors and artists and for spurring curiosity and imagination. 7.Is important for recreational activities. 8.Other?

Risks for Loss of Biodiversity Habitat Loss Invasive Species Pollution Population Growth Overcomsumption

Extinct - Extirpated A species is considered extinct if it has not been seen in the wild for at least fifty years. 10,000 years ago 1681

Species which are at a high risk of becoming extinct in the near future, if nothing is done to improve their situation. Endangered Selkirk Mountain Caribou Sockeye salmon

Threatened Species Species which are likely to become endangered within the next 25 years, if nothing is done to improve their situation. Canada Lynx Northern Idaho ground squirrel Grizzly Bear

Candidate Species Greater Sage Grouse North American wolverine

Sensitive Species Species for which population viability is a concern. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Northern Leopard Frog Townsend's Big- eared Bat Pygmy Rabbit

Canada Lynx (Threatened) The lynx requires large areas of forest to hunt, and those areas are getting smaller due to development.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Candidate) Logging, cattle grazing, dams, water diversions, water pumping and pollution have destroyed the West's rivers and riparian forests.

Ute’s Ladies Tresses Spiranthes diluvialis Perennial orchid. Grows in moist soils along streams or springs. Threatened

Pygmy Rabbit (Globally Imperiled) Pygmy Rabbits are sagebrush obligates.

Greater Sage-Grouse (Candidate) Throughout their lives, sage grouse are found in or near sagebrush.

Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat (State sensitive) Habitat loss Sensitive to human disturbance Pesticides and other environmental contaminants destroy the prey base.

Northern Leopard Frog (Rangewide Impaired Species) Water pollution (herbicide, fertilizer, and mosquito control), bull frogs and predatory fish like bass (introduced), Red-leg Disease Meadow Frog

Review Biodivesity Species Ecosystem HIPPO Extinct Extirpated Threatened