Sustainability & Biodiversity

Sustainability Sustain: Sustain: –survive over time Ability: Ability: –able to do something Sustainability: Sustainability: –The ability for an ecosystem to survive and function over time –The sustainable ecosystem is one that can meet the needs of present and future generations using its own resources.

Sustainability A sustainable ecosystem is a stable ecosystem because it is in balance A sustainable ecosystem is a stable ecosystem because it is in balance – that is, all of its factors (both abiotic and biotic) play their role in the ecosystem (they fulfill their niche). –since all organisms play their role, they are able to maintain the balance in the ecosystem so it is able to survive and thrive.

Sustainability There is growing concern that the Earth is becoming an unstable system. This is cause for alarm – because if the earth becomes an unstable system we (as in human beings) may soon be out of a place to live! In order to avoid this instability, it is important that we understand how the world is becoming unstable… There is growing concern that the Earth is becoming an unstable system. This is cause for alarm – because if the earth becomes an unstable system we (as in human beings) may soon be out of a place to live! In order to avoid this instability, it is important that we understand how the world is becoming unstable…

Methods of Maintaining the Earth as a Stable Ecosystem Limit greenhouse gas emissions so that we can use the sun’s energy Limit greenhouse gas emissions so that we can use the sun’s energy Find new, cleaner sources of energy to power our demanding lifestyle Find new, cleaner sources of energy to power our demanding lifestyle Recycle what we currently have to make new, useful products Recycle what we currently have to make new, useful products Any other suggestions? Any other suggestions?

Methods of Maintaining the Earth as a Stable Ecosystem Remember, we all have to play our part – since humans have introduced so much new technology, it is our role to ensure this technology is used wisely, and can be reintegrated into the ecosystem so that it does not simply pile up as waste! Remember, we all have to play our part – since humans have introduced so much new technology, it is our role to ensure this technology is used wisely, and can be reintegrated into the ecosystem so that it does not simply pile up as waste! A stable ecosystem is able to sustain itself!

Biodiversity Biodiversity: Biodiversity: –The number of different species in an ecosystem –High Biodiversity is high if there is a large number of different species in the ecosystem Biodiversity is high if there is a large number of different species in the ecosystem –Low Biodiversity is low if there is a small number of different species in the ecosystem Biodiversity is low if there is a small number of different species in the ecosystem

How is Biodiversity Measured? Biodiversity is measured by the success of an ecosystem: Biodiversity is measured by the success of an ecosystem: –Ecosystems are most successful when the biodiversity is high. More species allow the ecosystem to run smoothly; predators can keep the population of prey in check & prey and producers can provide a source of food. –Ecosystems with low biodiversity tend to be less successful